Guide to growing Madeira Vine Boussingaultia
Plants of the genus Boussingaultia are half hardy perennial climbers.
They typically flower at the end of summer or the beginning of autumn with small clustered white flowers.
They are often referred to by the common name of Madeira Vine or Mignonette vine.
As they are climbers they should be grown on a trellis.
How to grow Madeira Vine (Boussingaultia)
When growing Boussingaultia directly outdoors it is best to sow seeds just below the surface and tubers at a depth of 5cm in early spring before the last frost of winter. If planting indoors then Madeira Vine should be prepared about 7 weeks before putting out. They normally take about one month to germinate when kept at a temperature of 15 to 16 degrees Celsius. When transplanting Madeira vine outdoors they should be planted at about 60 to 80cm apart after the last frost of spring, into a sunny part of the garden with light sandy humus rich soil.
Caring for Maderia Vines
Plants should be kept moist when growing, but the soil must be dry for the rest of the year. It may be required to cut back Madeira vines to the ground if they have suffered frost damage, otherwise cut them back by 50% every spring.