Growing thunbergia in the garden

The genus Thunbergia has about 200 species tropical vines. These perennial plants are often grown in rooms as hanging flowers. They cannot withstand our harsh winters and freeze out, so growing thunbergia in the garden it is possible only as a summer plant. The plants can create a dense wall approximately 2 meters high and are used for vertical gardening. In Europe this flower is called "Black-eyed Suzanne"due to the black center of the flowers. The flowers themselves can be yellow, cream or orange in color. The triangular leaves of thunbergia are covered with soft hairs and are pleasant to the touch.

Thunbergia cultivation begins in late February or early March. It is sown in seedling boxes that need to be kept warm. Shoots appear at a temperature of 22-24 degrees. The seeds do not germinate well, so you need to plant more of them and treat them with biostimulants, such as Epin or Fumar, before planting. When the seedlings get stronger, grow to 20 cm in height and produce 3-4 true leaves, they are supported, and the stem is pinched for more branching.

When the ground warms up and the threat of night frosts has passed, the seedlings are planted in the ground, leaving a distance of 30 cm between them. Since thunbergia is a tropical plant, it needs bright sunny place, protected from the winds. It blooms especially well on calcareous soils. The plant does not tolerate drought at all and needs regular watering and feeding. Twice a month you need to apply mineral fertilizers.With proper care, thunbergia will delight you with long and abundant flowering.