How to Grow Thunbergia Grandiflora

Overview

Blue Sky Vine (Thunbergia grandiflora) is a vigorous twining plant that grows in Zones 8 to 11. The large bluish-purple flowers appear in the spring and bloom periodically throughout the summer. Blue Sky Vine is easy to start from seed and grow.

Step 1

Buy Blue Sky Vine seeds or plants from a trustworthy local or Internet nursery at least six weeks before the predicted date of the last frost in your area. Buy plants in spring, summer or fall.

Step 2

Plant seeds four to six weeks before the last frost. Sow two or three seeds in a small pot of fine textured potting soil. Place the pots in a bright, warm location and water regularly.

Step 3

Choose a location in your garden in full sun to partial shade with rich organic soil. Install a trellis or arbor to support the vines in the location you have chosen.

Step 4

Use a trowel to dig holes for the seedlings or a shovel to dig holes for the nursery-bought plants when the temperature no longer drops below 50 degrees at night. Place the plants about 3 inches from the support so the plants can twine around it.

Step 5

Water well until the plants become established. Blue Sky Vine is somewhat drought tolerant but grows better with regular watering.

Step 6

Use hand pruners to remove excess growth in the spring after the first flush of bloom to control the plants' size and direction of growth. You may have to prune the plants several times a year to control their growth. Remove old stems when they begin to lose their vigor.