How to Grow Moonflowers in a Pot

The moonflower, a close relative of the morning glory, produces pure white, trumpet-like flowers as evening falls. The flowers continue to blossom throughout the night but close as the sun rises in the morning. These annual vines require a tall support to climb as they put on new growth throughout the warm summer months. Container-grown moonflowers receive support from nearby fences or trellises, or you can use a support inside the pot to provide the necessary structure for the moonflowers to climb.

Pot

Potting soil

Bowl of hot water

Moonflower seeds

Stake or espalier

Fertilizer

Insert a 6-foot-tall espalier, stake or similar support into a 2-gallon pot of soil. Use a pot with drainage holes that has a depth equal to its width. Larger pots are less likely to fall over under the weight of moonflower vines.

Soak the moonflower seeds in a bowl of hot water overnight. The water softens the hard seed coat so the seeds germinate more readily.

Sow the seeds at the base of the support, planting them approximately ? to ? inch deep. Plant seven to eight seeds in the pot. Seeds typically germinate within seven to 10 days.

Set the pot in an area that receives full morning sun and light afternoon shade. Evening shading may encourage the blooms to open earlier.

Water the soil as necessary to keep it evenly moist. Allow the soil surface to dry out between waterings, or the soil conditions may become too soggy for healthy root growth.

Fertilize the moonflowers once a month with a soluble fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer at half the rate recommended on the package.

Moonflowers usually grow no taller than 6 feet in containers, but if your vines become too high, pinch off the tips to prevent further upward growth.