Growing a hummingbird trumpet vine from seed can be a rewarding experience. This vine produces beautiful red-orange flowers that attract hummingbirds. With some time and care, you can grow this vine from seeds into a lush, flowering plant.
What is a Hummingbird Trumpet Vine?
The hummingbird trumpet vine, also known as trumpet creeper, is a woody vine native to the eastern and southern United States. Its scientific name is Campsis radicans. This vine gets its common name from its bright, tubular flowers that resemble trumpets. The flowers are a bright shade of red-orange and are very attractive to hummingbirds.
The trumpet vine is a vigorous grower and climbs by way of aerial rootlets that allow it to stick tightly to trellises, fences, and other structures. It can grow up to 40 feet tall if properly supported. The leaves are pinnately compound and the plant produces seed pods after the flowers fade.
When to Plant Hummingbird Vine Seeds
Hummingbird vine seeds need exposure to cold, moist conditions in order to break dormancy. It’s recommended to plant them in late fall or early winter. This cold stratification mimics the natural conditions the seeds would experience after dispersing from the plant in autumn.
Here are the ideal times to plant hummingbird vine seeds:
- Late fall (October to November)
- Early winter (December to January)
Planting during these months gives the seeds the extended cold, moist period they require. Seeds planted too late in winter may not have enough time to break dormancy and germinate properly.
How to Plant Hummingbird Vine Seeds
Gather Materials
Here are the materials you’ll need to plant hummingbird vine seeds:
- Hummingbird vine seeds – Fresh, untreated seeds or stratified seeds
- Seed starting tray or container – Should have drainage holes
- Seed starting mix – A soilless, peat-based mix
- Clear plastic dome or bag – To cover tray and retain moisture
- Spray bottle – For misting soil
- Markers – To label plantings
Prepare Soil Mix
Fill your seed starting tray or container with seed starting mix. Tap the tray gently to distribute and settle the soil. Make sure the mix is moist but not soggy wet.
Plant Seeds
Sow the seeds on the soil surface and gently press them into the mix. Space seeds 1/4″ to 1/2″ apart. Cover very lightly with a thin layer of vermiculite or extra seed starting mix if desired, but don’t bury the seeds.
Cover Tray and Mist
Place the clear plastic dome or bag over the seed tray to retain moisture. Misting the soil occasionally will also help maintain even moisture.
Store in Cool Spot
Keep seeds moist in a cool location like a refrigerator or unheated garage where temperatures remain around 40-50°F. This cold stratification breaks dormancy in the seeds so they will be ready to sprout next spring.
Caring for Hummingbird Vine Seedlings
Spring Germination
In spring, move the seeded trays to a warm, sunny location. The soil should be kept evenly moist. Most seeds will germinate in 1-2 months when kept at 65-75°F temperatures.
Transplant Seedlings
After sprouting, let the seedlings grow in the starter trays until they have 4-6 true leaves. Then transplant them into pots or directly outside into the garden after the last frost date.
Plant Supports
Provide strong supports for the young vines to climb each year. Trellises, fences, poles, or pergolas work well. Space plants 8-12 feet apart for adequate room to grow.
Sun and Water
Grow trumpet vines in full sun for the best flower production. Established vines are quite drought tolerant, but regular watering is needed for young plants. In dry periods, give plants 1 inch of water per week.
Training and Pruning
Prune vines each spring to remove dead growth and train stems to supports. Pinching back the growing tips will promote bushier growth.
Fertilizer
Hummingbird vines benefit from regular fertilization when actively growing. Use a balanced 10-10-10 NPK fertilizer or something formulated for vines.
Overwintering Hummingbird Vines
The trumpet vine dies back to the ground each winter in cold climates. In spring, new shoots emerge from the roots. To help the plant overwinter:
- Cut vines back to 6-8 inches above the ground after first frost
- Mulch around the base to insulate roots
- Resume fertilizing when new growth appears
With this care, the vines will re-sprout vigorously each spring.
Troubleshooting Problems
Seeds Don’t Germinate
If your trumpet vine seeds fail to germinate, a few issues could be to blame:
- Expired or non-viable seeds – Purchase fresh seeds each year
- Not enough cold stratification – Seeds may require 2-3 months of moist chilling
- Soil too dry – Seeds need consistent moisture to sprout
- Soil too wet – Excess moisture can lead to rotting
Seedlings Die
Young trumpet vine seedlings are delicate and can die from various causes:
- Damping off disease – Use sterile soil mix and avoid overwatering
- Frost damage – Protect or move seedlings inside
- Sunscald – Gradually introduce to full sun
- Underwatering – Don’t let soil dry completely
Vines Don’t Flower
Lack of flowers on established vines can be due to:
- Insufficient sunlight – Needs at least 6 hours of direct sun
- Overfertilizing – Excess nitrogen can inhibit blooms
- Young plants – Vines won’t flower until 3-4 years old
- Pruning at the wrong time – Prune immediately after flowering
Conclusion
Growing trumpet vines from seeds takes time and care, but the reward is a vigorous, free-flowering vine that attracts beautiful hummingbirds. Plant seeds in fall for spring germination. Provide support for the delicate seedlings to climb each year. Mature vines are relatively carefree if given sun, space, and occasional watering and fertilizing. In cold climates, prune back each winter to ensure abundant spring regrowth.