How to Grow Lonicera Brownii From Seed

Prepare a plant site that receives full sun to partial shade before planting your Lonicera brownii seeds after danger of frost. Till the soil and remove any weeds and well-established plants that may crowd out or hinder your climbing vines as they grow taller and fill out. Consider spots in your garden where bees, butterflies and birds will be welcome, as this deciduous honeysuckle is known to attract wildlife.

Plant your Lonicera brownii seeds two to three feet apart in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil during the first warm week of spring. Set up a trellis or other support system near them at this time unless you intend to grow this honeysuckle as a ground cover. Dayton Nurseries notes that Lonicera brownii does well in most soils, except those that are sandy or quick to dry, and it tolerates soils of various pH levels.

Water thoroughly after covering your seeds, enough so that the soil is damp to the touch, but not soppy, muddy or having any standing puddles. Keep the soil evenly moist, not oversaturated, until sprouts appear, and then water less frequently to allow the soil to dry slightly. Weekly waterings should suffice once the honeysuckle is more mature, but it will need more during periods of hot or dry weather.

Care for your Lonicera brownii seedlings until they become well-established and watch them twine and climb their way around everything in their path. Feed Lonicera brownii with a balanced all-purpose fertilizer (20-20-20) or compost in late spring to early summer and you'll see a few feet of growth during your vine's first year. Mature Lonicera brownii plants continuously produce fragrant blooms June through September that are trumpet-shaped, long-lasting on the vine and vary in color from scarlet red to fushia and coral to burnt orange.