How to Grow Moon Flower

Last Updated: August 21, 2019 References

Moon flower (Ipomoea alba) is a climber which grows quickly. It's a tropical plant, hence it grows as an annual in cool to cold areas but is much longer lasting in warmer climates.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:
Sourcing the Plant

1
Find a seedling or cutting. This plant should be available from your local nursery or garden center. Or, check online garden plant stores.
- If propagating, either sow by seed in the spring or use softwood cuttings taken during the summer.
2
Decide whether to grow in the garden or in a container. If growing in a container, it will suit a large to medium one. This will allow you to bring the plant indoors in very cold winter areas.

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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:
Planting the Moon Flower

1
Select a suitable planting spot. Grow it either in a garden bed or in a large to medium container.
- A sunny wall is the best spot for this plant; it likes sun and it needs to climb.
2
Provide appropriate soil for the plant. For a garden bed or for a container, the soil should be moderately rich. The soil should be well drained but able to hold moisture.
- Add some rotted organic matter to the soil to enhance the growing medium.
3
Mulch the surface of the soil after planting. This will help keep the moisture in the soil and reduces weed growth.

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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:
Caring for the Moon Flower

1
Water well until the plant is established. Water should be provided regularly during warmer months. The main growth occurs during spring and summer, and this growth requires sufficient water. However, reduce the watering during autumn and winter; the plant will get plenty from environmental sources.
2
Provide support. This plant needs to climb and needs something like a wall, pillar or a wooden trellis. It will also climb along an open fence or railing.
3
Expect flowers in the summer. The flowers are large and white, tubular in shape. They are highly fragrant. The flowers open at dusk.
4
Prune. Thin out the dead wood during early spring to allow for vigorous summer growth.

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Community Q&A

Question

Will a moon flower root from a clipping by putting it in the dirt?

Community Answer

That is cloning from cuttings, a form of vegetative propagation. Yes, it should work.
Question

Will a clipping root in a glass of water?

Harvey

Community Answer

The clipping may root in water, being a form of vegetative propagation. Other Ipomoea species are also known to root in water, such as water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica).
Question

I have been trying forever and cannot seem to get them to sprout. It's such a hard shell so it doesn't seem like it will absorb water. Any advice?

Ccjones10275678

Community Answer

Place the seed in a cup of water overnight, then plant outdoors or in a container.
Question

Do they grow back the next year or do you have to replant?

Ccjones10275678

Community Answer

They will come back the next year or two as long as they don't fall below freezing temperatures, not even just over one day or night.