Trumpet vines, also called hummingbird vines, can be used for privacy screens in home gardens. These fast growing plants climb and anchor themselves to structures using aerial roots. Some trumpet vines have been used erosion control in the United States, and even though it can quickly grow out of control gardeners plant it to attract the ruby-throated hummingbird. Planting these vines from seed can take longer for blooming to occur, but it is possible.
Trumpet Vine Types
Before planting trumpet vine seeds gardeners should determine which plant they want. The North American native, Campsis radicans, quickly grows up to 40 feet high or more. C. radicans can survive if hard freezes kill it to the ground by quickly sprouting new growth. It’s 3 inch long flowers bloom orange, and have the trumpet shape. C. grandflora grows only to 30 feet high, and comes from China. This slightly less invasive plant has larger and redder flowers than C. radicans. C. x tagliabuana, hybrid between C. grandflora and C. radicans, grows between 30 and 40 feet, and blooms red flowers.
Planting Seeds
Planting the seeds indoors four to eight weeks before the threat of frost has past, and then transplanting the seedlings outside will protect them from bad weather and predators. The seeds need loose well draining soil for best growth. Keep soil moist, and provide plenty of sunlight. Once trumpet vine seedlings have at least one set of true leaves they can be transplanted to larger pots or to the ground. When planting trumpet vine seedlings into the ground the soil should be well draining. Compost can be added to help soil drainage. Placing the plant in full sun will encourage growth and flowering. Some type of vine support can help the vine grow tall, instead of sprawling across the ground.
Trumpet Vine Care
Once the trumpet vine becomes established it will require very little care. Trumpet vines can be aggressive growers, and pruning should be done to keep the plant from over growing its bounds. Trimming and pruning should ideally be done during the dormant season. Pinching back new growth sprouts in the summer will encourage bushy growth. Trumpet vines that become unmanageable can be drastically cut back and retrained.
Collecting Seeds
For gardener who want to start or save trumpet vine seeds, seeds can be collected and saved. Removing the seed pods can also control the spread of trumpet vines. Pods should be collected when they turn brown and ripen before they split open. This occurs 2 to 3 months after flowering. Seeds should be removed from the pods, air dried, and then stored in air tight containers in the refrigerator.
Jessie White - Jessie White has been writing online content for over two years, and also designs, markets, and edits an online magazine.
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