Lovely white moonflowers in the morning light
Home - Garden
Moonflowers:
Everything
You Should
Know Before
Planting
By ALICE BROSTER AND DIANA VILIC
How To Use
Moonflowers are classified as perennial vines and will wrap their way around nearby structures as they grow, so they sometimes require maintenance to keep them contained. Their sweet-smelling flowers blossom at night, and you should sow the seeds when it’s 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
How To Grow
To prepare moonflower seeds for germination, soak them in water overnight, bury them ¼ inch deep in soil containing seed-starter mix, and avoid touching the roots after they’re planted. Moonflowers grow best in biodegradable peat pots and prefer warm, sunny locations.
Moonflower Care
All moonflowers truly require is well-drained soil, plenty of sunlight, and enough water to avoid dehydration — also, fertilizers that are rich in phosphorus can help the flowers grow. During colder months, ensure the roots are mulched at all times or bring the moonflowers inside.
Varieties
Moonflowers are named after the unique fact that they bloom at night or in gloomy conditions, and you may be more familiar with the circular, white variety, Ipomoea alba. Other varieties boast different scents, sizes, and colors like Datura innoxia, evening primrose, angel's trumpets, Flowering Tobacco, and Four O'Clock.
Propagation
Moonflowers self-seed when they have an established patch, but you can propagate by collecting dry seed pods and planting them in the fall. You can also take a 4-inch cutting from your moonflowers, strip off the excess leaves, and plant it into a shallow pot.