Growing and Sowing Cup and Sauces Vine

The Cup and Sauces Vine (Cobaea scandens) originates from tropical, mountainous America, particularly Mexico. In tropical countries, it is a perennial plant that can develop stems several metres long and twine around trees. Winters in Europe are too cold, which is why it is grown here as an annual plant. It is not the easiest plant to grow in our climate, as it needs a lot of heat over a long period of time to flower.

Sowing and growing Cup and Sauces Vine

Cup and Sauces Vine is an annual climbing plant that grows quickly and blooms with large, bell-shaped flowers. The plant belongs to the phlox family (Polemoniaceae). The flowers can grow up to 8 cm in size and, depending on the species, can be white, pink or purple. Depending on how warm the summer is, the plants can flower from July to September. The plant can grow up to 3 to 4 metres tall and is very suitable for climbing against a wall, fence or trellis.

Sowing tips for Cup and Sauces Vine

Cup and Sauces Vine can be pre-sown from February to April, in seed trays at 20°C in light, airy soil. Sow directly in open ground from mid-May, but pre-sowing is preferable. Cup and Sauces Vine seeds are best pre-soaked overnight in lukewarm water. Place the seeds vertically in the soil, to prevent rotting, about 0.5 cm deep. Keep the soil slightly moist. Wait until after the frost period, around mid-May, to plant the plants outside in a sunny spot, and give them immediate support for climbing.

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Position and soil for cup and sauces vine flowers

Cup and Sauces Vine grows best in a spot in full sun, as it needs a lot of warmth and light. The soil must be well-drained and fertile. If necessary, prepare the soil with a mix of garden soil, compost and/or sand.

How to care for your Cup and Sauces Vine plants?

Cup and Sauces Vine is a strong climber and needs support, such as a wall or fence. The plant requires a lot of water, so water it regularly. Fertilise the plant, which can grow quite large, regularly.

Is Cup and Sauces Vine bee and/or butterfly friendly?

Cup and Sauces Vine is not particularly attractive to bees and insects, but it can contribute to biodiversity in the garden in the summer, when there is a need for nectar and pollen.

Cup and Sauces Vine in the vegetable garden

Although the plant is not edible, it can still be valuable in the vegetable garden. It is a decorative climbing plant and, due to its height (when grown on climbing supports), it can create shaded areas in the vegetable garden and contribute to increasing biodiversity.

Is Cup and Sauces Vine edible and/or medicinal?

Cup and Sauces Vine is not edible and can, depending on the species and parts of the plant, such as the seeds, even be poisonous.

Please note, we at Dutch Garden Seeds do not give medical advice. Always ask a professional if and how the plant can be used medicinally.

Cup and Sauces Vine seeds in our collection

We have seeds of Cup and Sauces Vine in our range. They are from the brand 'Buzzy Seeds'.

Sowing Tips

Pre-sow the plants, as they need a long period of warmth and sun to flower.
Choose a sunny spot in the garden to encourage flowering.