How to Grow Purple Splendour

Seeds sprout with cotyledons emerging; first true leaves appear. Seedlings are delicate with thin stems and small heart-shaped leaves.

Soak seeds in room temperature water for 12-24 hours before planting to improve germination. Keep soil warm (70-75°F). Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Water gently to avoid damping off.

Strong vining begins; multiple stems emerge with increasing leaf coverage. Plant produces increasingly vigorous lateral shoots and establishes climbing tendrils or twining growth.

Install support structure (trellis, string, or stakes) early. Begin fertilizing with balanced or slightly lower nitrogen fertilizer (avoid excess nitrogen which promotes foliage over flowers). Thin seedlings to proper spacing if direct seeded.

Leaf development continues; flower buds form at leaf axils. Buds appear as small purple-tinted clusters before opening.

Reduce nitrogen and increase potassium/phosphorus to encourage blooming rather than excessive foliage. Water consistently but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Continue training vines onto supports.

Abundant trumpet-shaped purple flowers with white or pale centers bloom throughout the day (typically closing by afternoon). Continuous flowering occurs under good conditions.

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms, though this is optional. Maintain consistent watering and avoid overhead watering. Feed with low-nitrogen blooming fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Monitor for pests that target flowers.

If flowers aren't deadheaded, seed pods develop and mature to brown, papery capsules containing seeds. Foliage may yellow and decline as frost approaches.

Allow some flowers to go to seed if you wish to collect seeds for next year. Let pods dry completely on the vine, then harvest and store seeds in cool, dry conditions. Pull vines after hard frost or at season's end.