Growing Black-Eyed Susan Vines
Rapidly growing black-eyed Susan vines quickly cover a fence or trellis for perky summer flair in the landscape. Thunbergia alata may be grown as an annual in USDA zones 9 and lower and as a perennial in zones 10 and above. Those in cooler zones can overwinter black-eyed Susan vines indoors, in a greenhouse or as a houseplant. Be sure to bring interior plants outside in summer as an important part of the care of black-eyed Susan vines. When growing black-eyed Susan vines in the ground, learning how to propagate a black-eyed Susan vine is simple. Black-eyed Susan vine seeds may be available from friends and family who are growing the plant but are often available in packets too. Small bedding plants and lush hanging baskets are sometimes sold at local garden centers as well.
How to Propagate a Black-Eyed Susan Vine
Black-eyed Susan vine seeds easily grow to get the plant started. Where you live and your climate will dictate when to plant black-eyed Susan vine outdoors. Temperatures should be 60 degrees F. (15 C.) before planting black-eyed Susan vine seeds or starts outside. Seeds may be started inside a few weeks before outdoor temperatures warm. You can also allow black-eyed Susan vine seeds to drop after flowering is done, resulting in volunteer specimens the next year. As seedlings emerge, thin to allow room for growth. Learning how to propagate a black-eyed Susan vine may include propagation from cuttings as well. Take 4 to 6 inch (10-15 cm.) cuttings below a node from a healthy plant and root them in small containers in moist soil. You’ll know when to plant black-eyed Susan vines outdoors when cuttings show root growth. A gentle tug will exhibit resistance on a plant that is rooted. Plant rooted cuttings in a moist, sunny location. Container growing black-eyed Susan vines may benefit from afternoon shade in warmer areas. Additional care of black-eyed Susan vine includes pinching back spent blooms and limited fertilization.
