- Variety Info
- Sowing Info
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Variety Info
Family: Convolvulaceae
Native: Only in cultivation
Hardiness: Perennial in USDA zones 11 and 12; usually grown as an annual
Exposure: Full sun
Bloom Period: Summer to frost
Plant Dimensions: 6'–20' vine
Variety Info: ¾" wide, red, tubular flowers
Attributes: Attracts Hummingbirds, Attracts Pollinators, Good for Containers, Deer Resistant
Sowing Info
When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date. Plants started too early outside will end up less vigorous than plants started when warmer.
When to Start Inside: 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting outside. Sow into a biodegradable pot that can be directly planted in the ground to avoid disturbing roots.
Days to Emerge: 5–15 days
Seed Depth: 1/2"
Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 6"–12"
Thinning: When 2" tall, thin to 1 every 6"–12"
Your hardiness zone is
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Stratification and Scarification- StephanieRated 5 out of 5 stars9/23/25Late Bloomer
These grew very well for me- full sun, zone 7a. They did not begin to bloom until late August, and they are beautiful right now, about a month later. I also planted some hyacinth beans along the trellis, so the green was not so prelevent. Now i know what to expect for next year!
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateBIBotanical Interests9/24/25Hey Stephanie,
What a fantastic review! We're absolutely thrilled to hear that your Cardinal Climber Seeds grew so well for you in zone 7a - that's exactly what we love to hear!
Your experience with the late August blooming is so perfectly typical for Cardinal Climbers! These beautiful vines are definitely worth the wait because they're all about building up that strong, lush foliage first before putting on their incredible flower show. It's like they spend all that time getting ready to absolutely dazzle you once they decide it's time to bloom! And wow, late summer into fall is when they really shine with those gorgeous star-shaped red flowers.
We love your smart thinking with the hyacinth beans! That's such a clever companion planting strategy - getting that extra visual interest and variety along your trellis while the Cardinal Climbers were in their leafy phase. It sounds like you created a really beautiful mixed display that gave you something lovely to look at through the whole growing season.
Your "now I know what to expect for next year" comment is so perfect! That's exactly the kind of garden wisdom that makes each growing season better than the last. Next year you'll be able to plan around their timing and maybe even enjoy that anticipation of waiting for the big bloom show to begin.
Cardinal Climbers are such rewarding growers once you understand their rhythm, and it sounds like you've got them figured out perfectly!
Keep on growing 🌻️
- Linda G.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars11/26/245 Stars
I have 2 greenhouses and have purchased seeds for the first time from this company. Quality is great, price is right, shipped quickly, and every seed sprouted and thrived in the greenhouses.
- Loretta S.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars8/5/245 Stars
Carsinal Vine is growing well but still have no flowers on it.
- Nancy D.Verified BuyerRated 4 out of 5 stars7/27/244 Stars
They are reliable. I enjoy the feathery leaves and sporadic blossoms
- Sarah K.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars7/11/245 Stars
Very quick shipping and my plants got going almost immediately.