How to Start Sweet Cypress Vine From Seed

Thomas Jefferson was so enamored of the cypress vine that, in 1791, he sent seeds from Philadelphia to his Virginia estate, Monticello, where they were planted in pots. Thus began the love affair between Americans and an annual, flowering vine. The cypress vine (Ipomoea quamoclit) is also known as the hummingbird vine for its ability to invite the creatures, as well as butterflies and bees, into the garden. It is distinguished from other morning glories by its lacy, fern-like foliage. Bearing pink, white or red flowers, cypress vine is an annual that aggressively self-seeds, so remove dead flowers before they set seed. Start the sweet cypress vine from seed six to eight weeks before your last frost.

Things You'll Need

• Peat pots
• Germination medium
• Sand or vermiculite
• Shallow container
• Heat mat

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Sow the cypress vine seeds in individual peat pots, filled with a mixture specifically for seed germination. Place the seeds on top of the moist mixture and cover them with a 1/16 inch layer of sand or vermiculite.

   • 2

     Place the pots in a shallow container and then on top of a heat mat set to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Cypress vine seeds typically germinate within a week to two weeks and may flower within 30 days.

   • 3

     Pour one inch of water into the container holding the potted cypress vine cuttings. The peat pots will soak up the water from the bottom. Add more water gradually, as the pots soak it up, until the top of the soil is moist but not wet. Keep the top of the soil moist during germination.