Germination Tips for a Trumpet Creeper

Trumpet Creeper

• Trumpet creeper is a hardy and flexible vine, thriving in USDA Hardiness Zones 4b through 10a. In zones 7 through 11, it can be planted any time of the year. In other zones, seeds should be planted in the fall for spring seedling emergence. The trumpet creeper does well in part shade, but will bloom best in full sun. Thin seedlings to 36 to 60 inches apart once they emerge.

Seed Stratification

• Trumpet creeper seeds are dormant upon ripening. In order to break the dormancy, they must be convinced that the environment is favorable for their survival. Only once dormancy is broken can the seeds be expected to germinate. Seeds will germinate within two weeks of planting, but the germination rate may not exceed 60 percent. The United States Department of Agriculture recommends sowing stratified trumpet creeper seeds in the fall. Trumpet creeper seedlings do not transplant well.

Trumpet Creeper Pre-Treatment

• About 60 days before you want the seeds to begin to grow, mix them with an equal part moist sand by volume. Place the mixture in a plastic container and refrigerate at about 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The humidity in the container should be about 30 percent; this can be monitored by placing a digital hygrometer inside the container. Add a dusting of fungicide to prevent mold growth.

Propagation by Layering

• A much easier way to propagate trumpet creeper is by layering. This technique creates a clone of the mother plant that is already past the seedling stage. You will see much faster results with layered propagation. Select a healthy section of the mother plant and make a shallow cut in it 1 to 2 feet from the end. While still attached to the mother, bury the injured area at least 6 inches underground. Once the layered section begins to put out its own roots, cut it from the mother plant. Allow it to grow another 3 weeks before carefully digging the section.