Cobaea scandens alba
DESCRIPTION
Are you looking for a fast-growing climbing plant that provides lush greenery and lavish flowering? Then bell vine is something for you. The large white bell-shaped flowers are insanely beautiful. Grows up to 3 meters tall and is grown against a trellis or why not in a portal?
LIFE CYCLE: ONE YEAR
HEIGHT: 250 CM
COLOR: WHITE
GROWING POSITION: SUN
SEEDS/BAG: APPROX. 10 PCS
PRE-CULTIVATION
SOWING TIME: FEB-MARCH
SOWING DEPTH: 1 CM (SOAK THE SEED 1-2H BEFORE SOWING)
GROOMING TIME: 10-30 DGR
FINAL PLANTING
PLANT SPACING: 40-50 CM
ROW SPACING: 50 CM
HARVEST FESTIVAL: APPROXIMATELY 5 MONTHS AFTER SOWING
SOWING AND HARVESTING BELLVIPE
Growing location: Outdoors, in a flowerbed or in a pallet collar in a warm and sheltered location. Sunny location (6–7 h sun/day) gives the best growth, but partial shade (3–5 h sun/day) also works. Choose a location with a stable climbing support – for example, a trellis, pergola or fence.
AT SOWING
Sow bell vine indoors in February–March. Soak the seeds in lukewarm water for 1–2 hours before sowing to speed up germination.
Sow the seeds in separate small pots or cells filled with seeding soil. Place the seed about 1 cm deep. Many people recommend sowing the seed on its edge to reduce the risk of rot, but this is not necessary.
Mark the sowing with the variety and date. (Blue bell vine usually germinates faster and grows more vigorously.)
Covering with an airy plastic lid can be used to create even moisture but is optional.
Water regularly but carefully so that the seeds do not get soaked.
2-4 WEEKS AFTER SOWING
Provide light. Bell vine usually germinates after 14–30 days, sometimes longer. When the seedlings emerge, remove the covering and place the pots in a very bright and cool place so the plants stay compact.
RETRAINING
When the plants have their first true leaves (after the cotyledons), replant them individually into larger pots, about 10–11 cm, filled with nutritious potting soil.
Place a plant support directly in the pot – bell vine quickly develops tendrils that need something to grip onto. If the plant gets too tall, it can be topped or cut back lightly to make it bushier.
It is advisable to top the plant at about 10–15 cm by cutting above the second or third pair of leaves to stimulate branching.
FINAL PLANTING
Harden off the plants for a few days after the frost has passed. Start with 1 hour/day in a sheltered position and gradually increase both time and light.
Plant out when all night frost is past, usually in early June in southern Sweden.
Place the plants with a distance of about 50 cm between each plant. Plant in nutrient-rich soil and make sure that a strong and stable climbing support is in place immediately upon planting.
Water regularly throughout the season and keep the soil evenly moist.
HARVEST FESTIVAL
Flowering occurs about 4–5 months after sowing. Enjoy the large bells that change color as they develop and spread a gentle fragrance.
