Mina Lobata

A vigorous and radiant heirloom flowering vine. Grown in our climate as an annual, Mina lobata easily climbs over 10 feet, covered with red-tinged, three-lobed leaves which look like upside-down fleur-de-lis. Unusual and colorful blooms are festooned in linear clusters of six or more on arching stems, and change color as they enlarge and open from crimson red to yellowy-orange to creamy yellow. Grow in a sunny but sheltered spot, providing good support, with rich, light, moist soil. 20 seeds    PLANTING Ipomoea lobata Annual Germination: 7-30 days Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 70-80ºF,  soaking seeds overnight aid the germination Seed Planting Depth: Sow ¼” deep Starting Indoors: Start indoors 3-5 weeks before the last frost. Provide 70-80ºF soil temperatures until germination. Transplant 8-12” apart after the last frost. Sowing Outdoors: Direct sow outdoors after the last frost. Sow a few seeds every 8-12”, thin to the strongest seedling Growth Habit:  Climbing vine Height and Width: 10-12’ x 12” Spacing: 8-12” apart Light Needs: Full sun Soil Needs: Average to rich, moist, well-drained Approximate days to flower from seed: Blooms in 90-100 days Uses: Fences, walls, trellises, and arbors, containers and planters, backdrop plant, attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds Care:  Water seedlings regularly until established. Amend the soil with compost before transplanting. Mulching helps retain moisture. Over-fertilizing with nitrogen can result in low to no flowers.