How to Grow Moon Flowers

Overview

The bright white blooms of moon flower vines add interest to the nighttime garden. These quick-growing, twining vines bloom from late afternoon until morning, then close for the day. Moon flower, with its star-shaped blooms, is related to morning glories and may reach heights over 12 feet. The vines quickly cover trellises, climb strings or cover nearby trees and shrubs. A perennial in warmer climates, it is grown as an annual in most areas of the United States because the roots won't survive freezing.

Step 1

Prepare the seeds for planting. Moon flower seeds have a hard coat that must be scuffed first in order to grow. Nick the seed lightly with a knife--deep enough to see the white inner seed coating but not deep enough to pierce the white.

Step 2

Choose a planting area with partial to full sunlight with well-drained soil of any condition. Use a trellis or other support so the vines can climb.

Step 3

Sow seeds in the spring after all danger of frost has passed. Sprinkle the seeds on the soil surface. Cover them with a quarter-inch of soil and water well. Moon flowers require no soil amendments and grow well even in poor soil areas.

Step 4

Wait until after germination before thinning the seedlings, approximately seven to 14 days. Thin the seedlings so they are spaced approximately 6 inches apart.

Step 5

Apply mulch around the vines after they begin twining around the support. Mulching isn't a requirement but helps prevent weeds and improves the look of the bed.