what do trumpet vine seeds look like

What Do Trumpet Vine Seeds Look Like? A Guide to Identifying and Planting These Unique Seeds

Trumpet vines are beautiful flowering vines that grow vigorously and produce stunning blooms during the summer After the flowers fade, the vines develop long, bean-like seed pods full of flat, round seeds. Knowing what trumpet vine seeds look like and when to collect them allows you to grow new vines from seed

In this article, we’ll discuss:

• Identifying trumpet vine seed pods and seeds
• When and how to harvest trumpet vine seeds
• Storing seeds for planting
• How to germinate and plant trumpet vine seeds
• Caring for trumpet vines grown from seed
• The reward of growing trumpet vines from seed

Identifying Trumpet Vine Seed Pods and Seeds

Trumpet vine seed pods start off green and turn brown when they are mature in late summer or early fall. The pods resemble fat green beans, growing 2-3 inches long. Inside each seed pod are 20-50 flat, round seeds around 1/4 inch across.

The seeds themselves are brown in color and have thin, papery edges that flare out around the seed. They look like tiny lily pads or little stars.

When the seed pods dry out completely and turn brown on the vine, the seeds are ready to harvest. This usually occurs 2-3 months after flowering ends.

Collecting and Storing Trumpet Vine Seeds

The ideal time to collect trumpet vine seeds is when the seed pods have all dried out and turned completely brown while still on the vine. Wear gloves when picking the pods, as the sap can irritate skin.

Crack open the dry pods and remove all the seeds, spreading them out on paper towels in a single layer. Allow the seeds to dry for about a week to ensure they are fully dry before storage.

Once dried, place the seeds in an airtight glass jar or envelope. Store in a cool, dry spot over the winter. The refrigerator is perfect, as the cold mimics winter conditions and helps the seeds germinate later on.

Properly stored, trumpet vine seeds can remain viable for 1-2 years. For best results, try to plant them within a year of harvest.

Germinating and Planting Trumpet Vine Seeds

Trumpet vines need a period of cold, moist conditions before they will germinate. The easiest method is to simply sow them outdoors in the fall right after collecting the seeds. The winter weather naturally provides the chill they need.

You can also pre-chill the seeds in the fridge for 2-3 months before planting them in the spring after the last frost.

Before planting, soak the seeds in water overnight. Sow the seeds just under the surface of moist, well-draining soil. Cover with a light layer of soil or sand.

Keep the soil consistently moist but not saturated. Germination can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months due to the erratic nature of trumpet vines. Just stay patient, keeping the soil moist until the seedlings emerge.

Young trumpet vine seedlings need some partial shade as they get established the first year. Once established, they can tolerate full sun conditions. Space seedlings at least 6 feet apart to accommodate the spreading vines.

Caring for Trumpet Vines Grown From Seed

Trumpet vines started from seed take 3-5 years to mature and produce flowers. They have a long juvenile period and must become well rooted before they will bloom.

Grow trumpet vines in full sun or light shade in nutrient-rich, moist but well-draining soil. Water first year plants regularly while their roots develop. After that, only water during droughts.

Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to encourage vigorous growth. Prune back excessive growth and any dead stems in winter.

Install a sturdy trellis, arbor or other support structure for the vines to climb up. Trumpet vines readily cling using aerial roots but need guidance when young.

Protect young vines from deer, rabbits and other pests with fencing as needed. Watch for aphids, Japanese beetles and other common vine pests.

With proper growing conditions and care, trumpet vines started from seed form impressive, flowering vines given time. The wait is worthwhile for their fantastic flowers and rapid growth habit.

Other Trumpet Vine Propagation Methods

While growing trumpet vine seeds is rewarding, there are some faster ways to propagate new vines:

Cuttings – Take 6-8 inch stem tip cuttings in summer. Root them in pots to quickly grow new trumpet vine plants.

Layering – Bend flexible stems to the ground and bury part of the stem in soil. New roots form, allowing the stem to be cut and replanted.

Division – Carefully dig up trumpet vines and divide the root ball, replanting sections to get new plants.

Using these vegetative propagation techniques, new trumpet vines grow rapidly and may even flower the first year. However, planting trumpet vine seeds is a great way to get free new plants from existing vines.

The Reward of Growing Trumpet Vines From Seeds

Growing trumpet vines from your own harvested seeds takes patience but can be highly rewarding. You get new vines ideally suited to your growing conditions, and can watch every stage of their development.

With huge, showy blooms and vigorous growth, trumpet vines started from seed become beautiful additions to the garden. Just provide them plenty of space and a sturdy support. Then enjoy their fantastic floral display each summer!