Cobaea scandens (Cup and Saucer Plant)

Description

Vigorous, exotic-looking climber from Mexico with unusual, bell-shaped flowers with prominent stamens which open yellow-green, then age to pale violet or purple. Very different! Can be grown as a perennial in mild areas or in a greenhouse, or grow as an annual if planted outdoors.

Winner of the RHS Award of Garden Merit

Half Hardy Perennial Climber (min 0C)
Flowers: Late summer to frosts
Height: 4-5m
Position: Sun

Packet of 10 seeds

GROWING GUIDE

Sowing Times: If growing as a perennial, sow at any time of year. If growing as a half-hardy annual, sow from February to April.

Sowing Instructions: Sow vertically into a moist, free-draining seed compost (eg. John Innes) and lightly cover with sieved compost or vermiculite. Propagate at 20 to 23C in a propagator, greenhouse or on a windowsill indoors sealed in a polythene bag. Germination takes from 21-30 days. As the seedlings emerge gradually increase ventilation by opening the bag or propagator vents.

Growing Instructions: Grow the seedlings on, shaded lightly from direct sunlight and when large enough to handle, pot up individually into 7.5cm pots. In late spring after all risk of frost has passed, gradually acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions before planting out in a sunny position. If keeping plants as perennials, protect from frost in winter.