Members of the Cobaea plant genus are climbing vines. They can reach four metres (13 feet) in size.
Although they are half hardy perennials in nature, gardeners often treat the Cobaea plant as half hardy annuals.
Cobaea scandens by Rbrwr; Creative commons.
They have bell shaped flowers of white, yellow, or purple. Cobaea is know by the more common names of Cathedral bells, Mexican Ivy, and Cup and Saucer vine.
They bloom from summer to Autumn.
Cobaea scandens cup and saucer vine by Zixii.
Cobaea scandens (Cup-and-saucer Vine / Cathedral Bells / Mexican Ivy / Monastery Bells), photograph by Forest and Kim Starr; CC.
Cobaea pringlei (Pringle's Cathedral Bells), picture by peganum; CC.
If planning to grow Cobaea plants from seeds indoors, then the seeds should be nicked with a knife. Sow in peat pots, then lightly cover with topsoil.
Cathedral bells, take around two to four weeks to germinate. This should be done at about 22 to 24 degrees centigrade (72 to 75°F).
Cobaea should be started about two months before the seedlings are due to be transplanted in the middle of spring,after the last possible frost.
Seedlings should be spaced at about one meter (40 inches). Locate in a sunny part of the garden.
Once growing, the young tips of Cobaea should be pinched to create branching.
Cobaea should be watered regularly, and supported on a trellis.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Cobaea plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ Polemoniaceae growing guides: How to grow Annual Phlox, Soldanella, Brachyscome, and Gilia plants.