Cardinal Climber Care Tips
Cardinal climber scrambles up trellises and arbors, and across fences when planted in full sun and well-drained soil. It tolerates a variety of soil conditions, from nutrient-poor sandy soil to rich loam. This easy-to-grow vine also tolerates dry conditions but grows best with regular deep waterings, especially during extended dry periods. It seldom requires fertilizer, and it doesn’t need deadheading. Cardinal climber is an enthusiastic self-seeder, so keep your eyes open for small, round seed pods inside papery brown covers in late fall. Store the pods inside a clean, dry jar in a cool spot until you’re ready to plant them. If you decide to buy seeds at a retail outlet, carefully read the packaging to make sure you aren’t buying seeds for cardinal climber’s cousin: the cypress vine. For clarity in shopping, look for the Latin name Ipomoea x sloteri. Prepare seeds for germination by soaking them in warm water for 24 hours before planting them in the garden. The warm water soak will soften the seed coat, making it easier for the root and stem to emerge. Cover the seeds with ¼ inch of soil, then keep the seedbed moist until they sprout. Cardinal climber can be started indoors four to six weeks before the last frost in spring, but keep in mind it dislikes having its roots disturbed by transplanting. This vine usually does best when planted directly in the garden. Cardinal climber is a fast grower, so whether planting in the garden or a container, put a trellis in place soon after seeding.
