Restraint is a foreign word for the bell vine. It shows such breathtaking growth that a dense dress of leaves is already spreading when the magnificent calyx flowers appear in June. How to properly cultivate the dynamic bell morning glory and, with a little skill, even overwinter it healthy is no longer hidden from you here. Read practical answers to frequently asked questions here.

The bell vine is a pretty climber

Plant bell vine properly

From mid-May, plant your morning glories that you have grown behind glass or bought in a garden center in the bed. Place the potted root ball in water until no more air bubbles rise. Meanwhile, dig planting pits 30 cm apart with twice the volume of the root ball. Follow these steps:

  • Enrich the excavation with compost, horn shavings (32.93€) and a little sand
  • Plant a potted plant in each planting hole so that the soil reaches the lower pair of leaves
  • Pour a good sip of water and mulch with leaves or grass clippings

If the tendrils are already long enough, attach them to the lower struts of the climbing aid. As it progresses, the bell vine finds its own way up thanks to its claw-shaped tendrils.
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care tips

The linchpin of proper care is the regular and plentiful supply of irrigation water. All other cultivation measures follow. How to do it right:

  • Water bell morning glory plentifully and regularly once the soil has dried
  • Fertilize with an emphasis on phosphorus every 4 weeks from May to September
  • Rinse faded flowers as soon as possible

If the mercury column falls below the 10-degree mark in autumn, allow the bell vine to enjoy bright winter quarters with temperatures of 10-12 degrees Celsius.

Which location is suitable?

Bell winds show their most beautiful side in a sunny, warm and air-flushed location. In partially shaded locations, the exorbitant water requirement is reduced; in return, the abundance of flowers falls short of expectations. A rain-protected place under an awning or a roof overhang is an advantage, since the pattering rain affects the beauty of the flowers.
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What soil does the plant need?

In a nutrient-rich, humus-loose and fresh-moist soil, the bell morning glory finds the perfect conditions. The clawed bindweed achieves its optimum in loamy-sandy, not too dry soil with good drainage. For the substrate in the bucket, we recommend a mix of potting soil, compost, horn shavings, sand and perlite.(37.51€)

When is flowering time?

From June/July until the first frost, the Cobaea scandens enchants us with nodding bell-shaped flowers on 15-20 cm long stalks. They initially appear in a subtle green-white, but over time the color of the flowers changes to an intense violet, subtle yellow or elegant creamy white. A single flower lasts only a few days. Clean faded flowers promptly, the buds underneath unfold to continue the floral spectacle.

Properly cut bell vine

Except for regularly cleaning out the withered flowers, the bell morning glory does not receive any pruning. If the rapid growth goes beyond the intended framework, you can cut back tendrils that are too long without hesitation. If the bell vine thrives in tubs, boldly cut the plant back to 50 cm in autumn and move it to bright, frost-free winter quarters.

Pour bell vine

The breathtaking flood of lush green leaves results in a high degree of evaporation, especially during warm summer days. So water plentifully and regularly. You should preferably check daily with a thumb test whether the soil has dried out in order to cover the high water requirement in good time. Avoid sprinkling the tendrils, instead pour the irrigation water directly onto the root disc.

Fertilize bell vine properly

In contrast to the high need for watering, the nutrient balance is at a medium to low level. Fertilize a bell morning glory every 4 weeks from May to September with a phosphorus-rich preparation. Avoid giving nitrogen-rich fertilizers, such as blueseed, as these specifically encourage leaf growth at the expense of florescence.

hibernate

Mother Nature actually intended a bell morning glory to live for several years. In the local regions, however, the plan fails due to the frosty temperatures, since the tropical beauty is not winterproof. You can use the following procedure to overwinter the climber, provided it thrives in a pot:

  • Allow in autumn at temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius
  • Cut back beforehand to a maximum length of 50 cm
  • Place in a bright, cool place at 10-12 degrees Celsius
  • Water little and do not fertilize

From the end of February gradually acclimate the plant to warmer temperatures and sunlight. After the ice saints, your floral winter guest can go outside again.
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Propagating bell vine

Propagate morning glories by sowing seeds in February or March. In small pots, place 2-3 seeds 0.5 cm into the lean substrate, moisten and place the pots in a partially shaded location at 18-22 degrees Celsius. Pinch the seedlings several times so they branch profusely and grow bushy.

Bell vine in pot

Choose a 30-40 cm high pot with a volume of at least 10 liters and an integrated climbing aid. As a substrate, we recommend a mixture of potting soil, compost, leaf soil, horn shavings and sand. Drainage made of potsherds over the water outlet is essential. Water the bell morning glory as soon as the soil has dried. In pot culture, a liquid fertilizer with an extra high phosphorus content has proven itself for the uncomplicated supply of nutrients. It is important to note that you consistently clean withered flowers.

Is bell vine poisonous?

The bell morning glory is not poisonous. This makes the majestic Ranker ideal for cultivation in the family garden. This also applies to the conspicuous seed heads that develop in autumn. Collect them without hesitation to raise another generation next year.
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Beautiful varieties

  • Purple Beauty: A classic variety, with huge, bell-shaped flowers of intense purple, profusely flowering and suitable for cutting
  • Ring of Bells: Magnificent mixture of a bell morning glory for a sea of white and blue flowers up to 400 cm high
  • Purple Bell: The ideal variety for fences, arbours, rose arches and balconies, thanks to a height of 200-250 cm
  • Cathedral Bells: Majestic bell morning glory with purple flowers on tendrils up to 600 cm long
  • Cobaea scandens white: Vigorous bell morning glory that harmonises impressively with roses thanks to the white flowers

Category:

Vegetable garden