“Purple Haze” is a sensational variety that bears stunning deep violet-purple, red starred blooms in profusion throughout summer.

An excellent plant for the patio border and perfect for brightening up walls and fences. It will mix happily with other more permanent plants where ever it is situated.

A hardy annual climber that originates from the rainforests of South America. It is an extremely carefree and free-blooming climber will bloom early and load itself with masses of attractive deep violet-purple flowers all summer long. In a good summer it will reach 9ft tall, perfect for covering arbors, trellises and fences.

Preparation:
Choose a sunny position with moist soil, they cannot grow or bloom properly in the shade. The seed coating is rather hard, and it will hasten germination if you stand the seeds in tepid water for a day or two before sowing.

Sowing:
Sow indoors in late winter, or outdoors in early spring
Sow indoors in early spring no sooner than 3 to 4 weeks before the last expected frosts, and 4 weeks before you plan to plant them outside. Alternatively, the seed can also be sown directly where they are to flower once all risk of frosts has passed. Keep soil moist during germination.

Indoor sowing:
Sow into individual pots or trays of seed compost. Paper or peat pots are preferable. Use well drained soil and cover to a depth of 3mm (1/8in). Maintain a temperature of around 20°C and keep compost moist. Germination will take place 5-14 days
Plants are extremely resentful of root disturbance, even when they are quite small, and should be potted up almost as soon as they germinate. Prick out to individual pots, transplant into 7.5cm (3in) pots or trays.
Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out in growing position after the last expected frosts. Space 15cm (6”) apart. Consider giving them some protection such as a cloche until they are growing away actively.

Sowing direct:
Prepare the ground well and rake to a fine tilth. If sowing more than one annual in the same bed, mark the sowing areas with a ring of sand and label. Sow 1mm (1/18th in) deep in rows 7cm (3”) apart. Sow seed sparingly or they will choke out other seedlings.
The seedlings will appear in rows approx 3-4 weeks after planting and can be easily told from nearby weed seedlings. Thin the seedlings out so they are finally 30cm (12”) apart. Carefully replant thinned plants.

Aftercare:
Remove spent flowers to encourage prolific blooming….and if you do not wish to have volunteer seedlings next year!

Note:
Seeds are harmful if eaten.

Ideal for:
Clambering up Trellis, Obelisks and Trees. Also for Containers and Tubs
Ipomoea is a member of the Convolvulus family (kon-volv-yoo-lus), taken from the Latin convolvere, meaning to twine around.