How to Grow Calonyction Plants in your Garden

Gardener's HQ Guide to Growing Moonflower

Members of the Calonyction genus are climbing vines.

They have heart shaped leaves and trumpet shaped flowers of purple or white.

They flower at night from the middle of summer until the first frost of winter.

They are also known as Moonflower and Bona nox.

Calonyction Growing Guide and Facts

Common Names: Moonflower, Bona nox.
Family: Convolvulaceae.
Life Cycle: Half hardy perennial usually grown as a half hardy annual by gardeners.
Height: 100 to 120 inches (250 to 300 cm).
Native: Tropics and Subtropics.

How to Grow Moonflower (Calonyction)

If planning to grow Calonyction outdoors then it is best to sow out the moonflower seed after the last frost of spring; simply cover the seeds.

When growing moonflowers as seedlings indoors then the process should be started about eight weeks before they are due to be planted out.

Calonyction should be sown into peat pots. First soak the seeds overnight and chip them, then germinate at about 22°C for about two weeks.

Seedlings should be planted out with a spacing of around 20 to 30 cm into a sunny or partially shaded area of the garden; the soil type is not important.

Caring for Calonyction

Climbing Calonyction vines such as moonflowers require a support such as a trellis that they can climb on.

They should be frequently watered when growing.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on Calonyction. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Ipomoea and Passiflora plants.