How long does Cobaea scandens take to flower from seed?

Each year I like to grow an annual climber to grow up my back fence. I usually use Ipomoea, Thunbergera or Eccremocarpus, but this year I decided to give Cobaea a try.

I have read that they need to be started early to get flowers. I sowed the seeds in early march but they have only just germinated. Will they grow big enough to flower this year or would I be wasting my time with them?

 

It's a long time since I've grown Cobaea. Although yours are only just under way you should see flowers on them this year, but probably a little later than normal.

 

I'm growing them this year too for the first time, I sowed mine in mid-March after soaking and put them in a heated propagator and they were up in 3-5 days. They're now in larger pots and on a warm windowsill, growing fast at 1ft+ and producing long sticky tendrils , only question for me is should I pinch the growing shoot to get them to branch or will they do it naturally?

 

Like Sheal, I've not grown these for a long time, but I think flowering depends mostly on getting a decent summer.
They are really a tender perrenial, but they do make lots of growth before they even think about flowering.
Not tried container growing, where root restriction might make them flower a bit earlier.

 

Sorry Bilbo, it's such a long time ago, I can't remember, but I've just had a look on the internet and it says to pinch out when they reach eye level to make them branch, that would seem a bit late to me but I'll leave you to make the choice.

 

Thanks Sheal , as I have about 8 plants I'll pinch some now and leave some and see how it goes, buds are evident so I would assume pinching back to these would encourage them to grow..

 

It's such a vigorous grower when it gets under way I don't think it will make a lot of difference where you pinch out Bilbo.

 

Update on my Cobaeas, well I ended up planting 2 plants in a large container and to put it lightly they've grown incredibly fast, to the top of our out building and almost across the roof, I'm guessing at something like 14-16ft of growth at present and the best bit is they're now producing lots of flower buds too

You can see it the photo where they've reached the roof and gone over the top

 

They're looking really healthy Bilbo and you'll love the flowers when they open.

 

Looking good, mine have come on nicely too but I've run out if upwards room for them to grow! Did not realise they where so vigorous!

 

Amazing aren't they, mine have almost reached the other side of the roof now and a couple of shoots are attempting to climb the house wall with their sticking tendrils holding on for now

Just as well they're not hardy otherwise it'd give that monstrosity that is Russian Vine a run for its money

 

Looking good Coolsox. I only started mine about May/June and it's 1.5 meters tall. This is my second time doing them, having done so years ago.






As you can see, they are old photos, but I do get fruit here.

 

Is Cobea Scandens also known as The cup and saucer vine ? I have not grown it but it has been on my wish list for 3 years - so I should try next year !
The 6m height is a bit tall , I presume pinching them at the top of the fence is OK ?

Genus: Cobaea
Variety: scandens 'Purple'
Type: Half-hardy annual climber
Sowing: Sow February-March. Pot up in individual biodegradable pots for ease - then plant straight out after last frosts.
Soil Type: Well drained soil, with plenty of organic matter. Will grow in acidic, chalky or moist soils. Site: Full sun and shelter
Height: 6 metres (20ft)
Final Thinning/Planting Distance: 45cm apart at the base of a frame
Flowers: ❀ July - October, or 20 weeks from sowing.
Flower production: 4 months, or 8 months in greenhouse. -

 

Yes, it is Harry.

 

A cottage garden near me ( open to the public) has got Cobaea pringlei for sale. Apparently this is much hardier and will grow back from the roots each year. The flowers are very similar in shape to scandens but are pure white. Anyone ever grown it?