In article ,
Spider wrote:

The funny thing about the Ipomoea is that it germinated well from seed
(in May, IIRC), but after planting out a couple of dozen plants most
just sat there and then disappeared (eaten; died?). One grew feebly at
the start, then got going, but didn't start flowering until mid August.
The plant in the picture also grew slowly, then put on a spurt in
September, twining all over the place, but there was no sign of flower
buds until a couple of weeks ago, when it became smothered in them. But
it still refused to flower until a few days ago. Most odd for something
usually considered a rather rampant climber.

I have read that it's a lot easier to germinate than it is to grow on.
I have a friend who seems to find it all too easy and she grows it every
year. I must try it one year soon and see if I can master the trick to
growing it.

It's quite easy if you have somewhere to start it indoors, though
establishing it depends (surprise, surprise) on the weather.

I soak the seeds for (say) 8 hours and germinate them on damp
kitchen roll under cling film. I then plant them in pots and
keep them in the conservatory (or a sunny window ledge) until
they start to climb. They they go out.


Regards,
Nick Maclaren.