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. The plant has dark, glossy oval-shaped leaves held by slender stems.

Growing Firecracker Vine

Being of tropical origin, the firecracker plant enjoys sunny conditions and heat and therefore, it will do well in relatively high temperatures. The plant is drought tolerant.

• Soak seeds overnight in cold water or file a tiny notch in the seed coat before sowing.
• Sow the seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost or directly outdoors in spring after last frost.
• The seeds do not need light to germinate, and the recommended sowing depth is 1/4 inch.
• Germination takes 14-21 days.
• Grow in full or part sun.
• Can be planted in any soil, provided that it is well draining.
• Although drought tolerant, it will be faster growing and have more heavier blooming with regular water.