What Do Trumpet Vine Seeds Look Like? A Guide to Identifying and Planting These Unique Seeds

Trumpet vines are fast growing vines that produce beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers during the summer months. After the flowers fade the vines develop long, bean-like seed pods. Inside these pods are dozens of flat, round seeds with thin, papery edges. Knowing what trumpet vine seeds look like and when to harvest them allows you to collect and plant these seeds to grow new trumpet vines.

Identifying Trumpet Vine Seed Pods

Trumpet vine seed pods are green at first, then turn brown and dry out as they mature in late summer to early fall. The seed pods resemble fat green beans, growing 2-3 inches long.

Inside each pod are 20-50 flat, round seeds about 1/4 inch across. The seeds are brown in color with thin, papery edges that flare out all around them. They resemble miniature lily pads or rounded star shapes.

Trumpet vine seeds are ready to harvest when the seed pods turn completely brown and dry out on the vine. This usually occurs around early fall, 2-3 months after the flowers have faded.

Collecting and Storing Trumpet Vine Seeds

The best time to collect trumpet vine seeds is when the pods have dried out and turned brown on the vine. Use gloves when picking the pods, as the sap can irritate skin.

Crack open the dry pods and remove the seeds inside. Spread the seeds in a single layer on paper towels and allow them to dry for about a week. This ensures the seeds are fully dry and ready for storage.

Once dried, place the seeds in an airtight container like a glass jar or envelope. Store in a cool, dry place over winter. The refrigerator is ideal, as the cold temperatures help mimic outdoor winter conditions and enhance germination.

Properly stored, trumpet vine seeds remain viable for 1-2 years. For best results, it’s recommended to plant them within a year of harvest.

How to Germinate and Plant Trumpet Vine Seeds

Trumpet vine seeds require a period of cold, moist conditions to break dormancy and germinate well. The easiest method is to sow them outdoors in fall right after harvest, allowing winter weather to provide the needed chill.

You can also pre-chill seeds in the refrigerator for 2-3 months before planting in spring after the last frost.

Soak the seeds in water overnight before planting. Sow the seeds just below the surface of moist, well-draining soil. Cover the seeds lightly with soil or sand.

Keep the soil moist but not soaked. Germination can be erratic, taking from 2 weeks to 2 months. Be patient, keeping the soil moist until the seedlings emerge.

Young trumpet vine seedlings appreciate partial shade as they establish roots the first year. Once established, they tolerate full sun. Space seedlings at least 6 feet apart to accommodate the spreading vines.

Caring for Trumpet Vines Grown from Seed

Trumpet vines grown from seed take 3-5 years to reach maturity and produce flowers. They have a long juvenile period and must become well established before blooming.

Plant the vines in full sun to part shade in rich, moist but well-draining soil. Water them regularly the first year while roots establish. After that, they only need watering during drought.

Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote growth. Prune back excessive growth and any dead stems over winter.

Install a sturdy trellis or arbor for the vines to climb. Trumpet vines readily cling to structures with aerial rootlets but need guidance when young.

Protect young trumpet vines from deer and rabbits with fencing if needed. Also guard against aphids, Japanese beetles, and other pests common to vines.

With proper care, trumpet vines started from seed form vigorous, flowering vines over time. The wait is well worth it for these beautiful, hardy climbers.

Other Ways to Propagate Trumpet Vines

While growing trumpet vines from seeds is rewarding, it’s not the only propagation method. Here are some faster ways to get new trumpet vines:

• Cuttings – Take 6-8 inch stem tip cuttings in summer. Root them in pots to quickly grow new plants.

• Layering – Bend flexible stems to the ground and bury a section in soil. New roots form, allowing the stem to be cut and replanted.

• Division – Carefully dig up trumpet vines and divide the root ball, replanting sections to get new plants.

Using these vegetative propagation methods, new trumpet vines grow quickly and may flower the first year. However, planting trumpet vine seeds remains a fun way to gain new, free plants from existing ones in your garden.

The Reward of Growing Trumpet Vines from Seeds

While it requires some patience, growing trumpet vines from seeds you harvest yourself can be highly rewarding. You gain free new plants perfectly adapted to your growing conditions. Plus, raising the vines from seeds allows you to appreciate every stage of their development.

With their huge, showy flowers and rapid growth, trumpet vines started from seeds develop into beautiful additions to the garden. Just be sure to give them plenty of room to grow and a strong support structure. Then enjoy their fantastic floral display each summer!