Firecracker Vine

Firecracker Vine is a striking and vibrant climbing vine that can reach 8-12 feet, featuring long, trailing vines covered in eye-catching clusters of tubular flowers in shades of red, orange, yellow, and white.These colours are graded down the length of the flower spike, just like a fireworks display, making it a showstopper in any landscape. The reds and golds also resemble the Spanish. Firecracker Vine brings life and movement to fences, arbors, and trellises, this vine creates a dramatic effect throughout the growing season, often flowering from summer into fall. Its hardiness and ability to tolerate a range of soil types make it a low-maintenance option for adding height and visual interest to gardens. Perfect for attracting pollinators, especially hummingbirds and butterflies. Whether adorning a fence or spilling over a hanging basket, Firecracker Vine is a perfect choice for creating a colorful, lively atmosphere.

Also Known As: Ipomoea Lobata, Firecracker Vine, Fire Vine, Spanish Flag, Mexican Morning Glory, Firecracker Plant, Skyrocket Vine, Ipomoea Hederifolia, Red Rocket Vine, Flame Vine, Star Glory, Painted Trumpet Vine.

Plant Name:	Firecracker Vine
Latin Name:	Mina lobata, Quamoclit lobata, Ipomoea lobata
Days to Germinate:	7-14
Days to Bloom:	90-120
Plant Height:	8 - 12 Feet
Spread:	2 - 3 Feet
Bloom Diameter:	5 - 7 Inches
Growth Habit:	Vining
USDA Zones:	3-11
Lifespan:	Annual, Perennial 9-11
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, form hills or ridges of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 12 inches apart at the base of a trellis. This formation of hills or ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting for cut flowers easier. To prepare a trellis, choose a sturdy structure such as an arbor, fence, or pergola. If using a wall or post, attach garden netting or string for the vines to climb. Lay down 1/2"-3/4" peat moss, sawdust, or potting soil, the soil surface. This layer is beneficial for flower seeds because it can the improve the germination environment and prevent soil crusting.

Planting:

To improve germination, scarify seeds by vigorously shake the seeds with course sand in a bag, or nick the hard seed coat with a file before planting.

Starting Indoors: For earlier blooms, you may optionally start planting indoors in containers 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost date in Spring, keeping seedlings at least 60F. Harden off then transplant seedlings outdoors in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 60F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: If directly sowing outdoors, plant after all danger of frost has passed in spring and soil temperatures reach at least 60F. Morning glories can be planted in the fall in warmer climates or indoors with supplemental grow lights.

To plant, make holes 1/4 inch deep and spaced 12-18 inches apart at the base of the prepared trellis. Plant 2-3 seeds per hole, then cover thinly with soil. In small plots, flower seeds may be scattered and gently watered in. Once seedlings emerge, plants can separated and spaced 12-18 inches apart at the base of the prepared trellis to allow room for mature plants to spread and prevent overcrowding. Water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1/4 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	12-18 inches
Between-Row Spacing:	12-18 inches

Care During the Season:

Firecracker Vine requires regular watering, but be sure to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. This fast-growing vine benefits from a balanced fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks to encourage vibrant blooms. As a vigorous climber, it can need support such as a trellis or fence to allow it to reach its full height, about 10 feet. Pruning is not necessary, but trimming back any overgrowth will help maintain shape and prevent it from becoming too unruly. Firecracker Vine is a heat-loving plant, so be mindful of cooler temperatures, as it will stop growing if exposed to frost. In cooler climates, it’s best to treat this plant as an annual or grow it in containers that can be brought indoors when temperatures drop.