- The vine has a very rapid growth rate in hot weather. The pure white, fragrant flowers have light bands of green and bloom during early evening and stay open all night to close in the early morning hours. In case of delayed sunlight in the morning, the flowers stay open longer. The vine climbs by twining and produces dense growth to cover arbors, porches and fences. Moon vine is also well suited for growing in containers and produces flowers prolifically all through the growing season.
- Moon vine grows to a mature height of 15 feet or more and starts to bloom during early summer and well into the first frost. The dark-green leaves are distinctly heart shaped and range between 4 and 8 inches long. The funnel-shaped, fluted blooms have a diameter of about 6 inches. Each stem produces a large number of flowers but not all bloom during the same night. Flower buds measure about 4 inches long. The fruit appears in the form of rough husks containing large white seeds about the size of garbanzo beans.
- Plant the vine in an area of full sun with preferably some afternoon shade in regions with very hot summers. Provide support with wires, strings or a trellis or train up the side of patios or pergolas. Growth is best in a well-drained, fertile and moist soil. The vine is moderately tolerant of drought and is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 9 through 11. Avoid planting in very windy sites.
- Propagation of moon vine is easy with the seeds that germinate rapidly in warm soil. Soak seeds in warm water for a night before planting or scarify with a nail file to help promote germination. In colder regions, plant indoors in small pots six to eight weeks before the last frost. Transplant seedlings outdoors in warm soil after the last frost. Mulch with compost and fertilize younger plants every three weeks with low-nitrogen organic fertilizer.
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