Clock Vine (Black-Eyed Susan Vine) (Thunbergia alata) - Also known as 'Black-Eyed Susan Vine', Clock Vine is native to Eastern Africa and thrives in warm, semi-shaded conditions. Our latest hot and humid summer of 2022 in Atlantic Canada was ideal for prolific growth and flowering of this species. We have grown Clock Vine on trellises and in hanging baskets with very good success vining up to 5 feet by September on average. Best flowering occurs when plants are not in the direct sun of mid-afternoon. Afternoon shade is desirable with this species or sun scald may occur on leaves. Beautiful vivid orange, yellow, and white blooms with dark black centres attract a multitude of pollinators well into the fall. An annual plant below zone 8b but can be grown indoors overwinter. This vine has an aggressive tendency so trellising is required. It can also be invasive where it is grown as a perennial year round so it should be contained. Well worthy as an addition to your climbing walls and baskets.
15 seeds per packet
Growing Information: Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost, or direct sow outdoors in warm climates after frost. Soak seeds in warm water for 12 hours before sowing to improve germination.
Sow seeds 0.5–1 cm deep in moist, well-drained soil and keep in a warm location (20 °C or higher). Seeds typically germinate in 10–14 days in warm conditions, or up to 21 days in cooler temperatures.
Harden off seedlings before transplanting outdoors after frost. Space plants 20–30 cm apart at the base of supports such as trellises or fences. Grows best in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil.
Days to Germination: 10 - 14 days if above 20°C or up to 21 days if below 20°C
Plant Spacing: 8" (20cm)
Plant Height: 36" - 72" (90cm - 180cm)
Features:
Hardiness Zones: Tender Annual or Tender Perennial to Zone 9
Bloom Time: Summer to Fall
Light Requirements: Full Sun / Partial Shade
