Firecracker Vine – 5 Seeds

Firecracker Vine (Ipomoea lobata), also known as the fire vine, love vine, fire plant or Spanish flag, is a species of flowering plant in the family Convolvulaceae Morning Glory family, native to Mexico and Brazil. Growing to 5 m tall, it is a perennial climber often cultivated in temperate regions as an annual. The previous botanical name of this plant is Mina Lobata. It is one of the most popular climbing vines, and this plant is extensively grown on trellises, posts, fences, arbors, in hanging baskets, large containers and pots. The flowers attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.

It blooms bright, funnel-shaped tubular flowers from Summer to Autumn. The flowers resemble firecrackers on the verge of explosion, hence it is called firecracker vine. They appear characteristically scarlet with bright yellow tips which glow under direct sunlight. They start as bright red and change color as they mature, progressing through orange, yellow, and finally to cream or white. Because of this aging process, it is common to see multiple colors on the plant at the same time. The plant has dark, glossy oval-shaped leaves held by slender stems.

Growing Firecracker Vine

Indoor Sowing: Not Recommended.

Direct Sowing: Spring.

• Since the plants do not like to be transplanted, it is recommended to direct sow the seeds.
• Plant after any threat of frost and once the ground has warmed up.
• Pick a site that gets plenty of sun. They will tolerate some very light shade, but bloom their best in full sun.
• Nick the seeds with a nail file or sandpaper and soak seeds in warm water the night before sowing. The seeds will take up water quickly and germinate faster in the ground.
• Sow the seeds seeds 20 – 25cm apart and only a few cm from a place where the vines can climb.
• In a container, erect a trellis or grow them near a railing so they can be supported.
• Cover lightly with soil and water thoroughly.
• Keep the soil moist until germination.
• Keep young seedlings well watered.
• Although it grows best on fertile soil, don’t over fertilize your plants or you’ll get mostly leaves, fewer flowers and they will bloom later in the season.