Can You Save Seeds From a Cardinal Vine?

Seed Propagation

• The cardinal vine, like its northern cousin the morning glory, grows well with little additional help from the gardener. Within its growing region, the vines bloom and spread easily. The plant self-seeds readily when left unattended. To propagate this climber, collect seeds in fall after the flowers fade. Allow the seeds to dry on the plant before collecting them. Seeds collected too early are green and do not germinate reliably.

Collecting the Seeds

• Watch the seed pods as they develop in fall. They first appear green and gradually fade to brown as the season progresses. Break open a seed pod and look at the seeds. When they have turned black and hardened, the seeds are ready to collect. Pull the seed pods from the plant and break open the seed pods over a basket or into a paper bag. The seed pods break open easily when they are fully dry and ready to harvest.

Cleaning the Seeds

• Spread the cardinal vine seeds out on a screen and remove any plant debris or remaining seed pods. Leave the seeds in a sunny spot to dry for two to three days. Store cardinal vine seeds in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. An area that is cool and dark is best to keep the seeds viable. Cardinal vine seeds can be stored until the following spring or restarted in flats indoors in fall. In tropical climates, replant cardinal vine seeds anytime.

Seed Preparation

• Cardinal vine seeds have a tough outer coat that takes scarification or soaking to stimulate germination. Soak seeds for 24 hours in lukewarm water. The soaking process softens the seed coat, allowing water to enter. Once water penetrates the seed, germination starts. An alternative method is to rub the seeds gently between two pieces of sandpaper to slightly rough up the seed coat. Once the seeds are planted, moisture from the soil enters the seed to start germination.