How to Germinate Ipomoea Alba Seeds

Purchase your Ipomoea alba seeds from a reputable source. Sow moonflower seeds indoors 6 weeks before the estimated last frost date. Nick or sand your moonflower seeds prior to sowing to allow water to more readily permeate their hard shell.

Place enough seed-starter mix to fill your small plastic containers or seed tray into a bucket and add water, mixing until it is evenly moist. Fill the containers or trays and sprinkle the seeds onto the top of the soil. Cover lightly with more of the mix and press the seeds down with your fingers.

Maintain a constant soil moisture until seeds sprout. Water as needed until the seedlings develop two sets of true leaves. Thin seedlings to one per small container or transplant tray-grown seedlings into small containers using a dibble or small stick.

Fertilize with one-quarter-strength liquid 20-20-20 or 15-30-15 fertilizer weekly until the roots have filled the containers. Check the root system after four weeks by turning the container upside down and gently removing the plant far enough to see the rooting progress. Transplant the moonflowers into the garden when all danger of frost has passed and daytime temperatures are consistently 65 F or higher.