Cypress Vine Red

What Cypress Vine Red is

Cypress Vine Red (Ipomoea pennata) is an annual flower of the bindweed family (Convolvulaceae). Ipomoea quamoclit, known as cypress vine, is a species of Ipomoea native to Central America and Mexico.

Ipomoea quamoclit is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful of all annual vines. The feathery foliage with thin, thread-like leaves gives the plant a light, airy texture.

In summer the plants bloom and are covered with hundreds of scarlet-red, star-shaped flowers.

The flowers are an excellent source of nectar and are attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds.

Morning glory is the fastest climbing flower — within a few weeks it covers a fence, gazebo or balcony railing with trumpets in blue, purple, pink and white.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 85%
• Seeds per packet: 23–32 pcs (0.4 g)
• Seed origin: India
• Sowing: April and May; direct
• Flowering: June – November
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Cypress Vine Red

Cypress Vine Red seeds are sown in April and May. The plants flower in June – November. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Cypress Vine Red

• Sowing method: direct
• Depth: 1–2 cm
• Spacing: 20–30 cm, next to a support
• Germination: 5–10 days at 20–25 °C
• Position: sunny spot

Sow the seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last spring frost, or outdoors once the danger of frost has passed. Before planting, scrape hard-coated seeds with a file or soak them overnight in warm water. The plants are set in small furrows about 3 cm deep, 10 cm apart.

Soak the seeds for 12–24 hours or lightly nick the seed coat. Sow directly into warm soil next to a trellis, fence or string. Do not over-fertilise — rich soil produces leaves instead of flowers.

Flowering and uses

The flowers open in the morning and close in the afternoon; flowers from July until the frosts. The seeds are poisonous — keep away from children and animals.

Frequently asked questions

When should Cypress Vine Red be sown?

The recommended sowing months are April and May. Sowing method: direct.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 23–32 seeds, pack size 0.4 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 85%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.

Why are morning glory seeds soaked before sowing?

The seed coat is hard — soaking for 12–24 hours speeds up germination to a few days.

How tall does morning glory grow?

Depending on the variety — 2–4 m in one season, if it has support.