How to Grow Rhodochiton From Seed

Rhodochiton, also known as the purple bells vine, is native to Mexico. A climbing vine, rhodochiton produces deep purple, pendulous bell-shaped flowers that bloom for eight weeks during the summer. A fast-growing vine, it can reach 10 feet in its first season. Although rhodochiton is a perennial plant when grown within zone 9 on the U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zone Map, gardeners in cooler climates grow it as an annual. Within its hardiness zone, sow the vine's seeds from fall to spring. In other areas, wait until the outside temperature reaches at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit to sow the seeds.

Compost or coarse sand
10-30-20 fertilizer
Pruning shears
Planting pot
Insecticidal soap

Instructions

- 1
  Choose a sunny area with well-drained soil to sow your rhodochiton seeds. If the soil drains slowly, add 3 inches of compost or coarse sand and mix it into the top 6 inches of the garden soil.
- 2
  Push the rhodochiton seeds 6 inches from the support system, 1/4 inch deep and cover them lightly. When the seedlings reach 4 inches in height, thin them to 12 inches apart.
- 3
  Water the flower bed carefully so that you don't wash the seeds away. Once they sprout, ensure that the soil is consistently moist throughout the growing season. Supplying 1 inch of water, every 10 days, should be sufficient.
- 4
  Fertilize the rhodochiton once a month when the plants reach 6 inches in height. Use a complete fertilizer, such as a 10-30-20. Water as you normally do after fertilizing the vine.
- 5
  Overwinter the vine by cutting it back to 3 inches and potting it up. Spray it with insecticidal soap, according to label instructions and leave it in an area that remains above 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Either replant the vine when the weather warms in the spring or allow it to remain in the pot, placed in a sunny area.

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