Don't know, but will watch this thread to see what others say. I am growing these this year hoping they will twine with the morning glories. Then again, if they trail off the deck that would be fine too.

From my own experience I can say that the freshness of the seed has something to do with it. I have never had old (that is over one year) seed sprout--except for one batch that was on its second year, but it was hermetically sealed. Fresh is best with this plant. Also, I use the paper towel method. I wrap in damp paper towel, put in a plastic bag and put it someplace warm. I open it up for air each day or so. Then after some days, a gross, stringy, gooey, guk is on th outside of the seeds. I pull that off, wipe the seeds well, give them a fresh paper towel, and put them back in the bag. As soon as I see a sprout (sometimes as soon as a week), I plant it root tip down, and allow part (not quite half because it is already sprouted) of the seed coat to stick out of the soil straight up and down. The seed comes right up. Once up, sometimes the little cotyledons have difficulty getting out. Be careful not to mess with them too much because you can damage or kill them. However, I have been known to assist a seed or two. The tip of the seed that was sticking out is quite dry, and hard for the seed to push off. If you dab it with moisture regularly (with a Q-Tip) it may be fine. if not, you may have to split the seed off: use caution! Wait to see if the plant can do it for itself first. Right now, I have 9 plants going; several have their second set of true leaves! I hope this was helpful. Again, this is only from my own experience & mistakes. Good Luck, Robin

they really aren't too hard. first thing is to nick the seed-if you don't it's likely to not sprout. i've always read to plant it sideways rather than flat and it's worked well for me. it's not perennial here, so if you want it more than one year, plan it in a big pot with a trellis and bring it to a cool basement for the winter. mine is going bonkers down there as we speak! it didn't bloom, but i got a late start last year- i started my seed in july, i think. they are hard to get to bloom til just before frost, and i'm hoping that by having a head start this year that we'll see bloom faster. it likes full sun, and can take a little shade. the leaves turn a pretty purple in cool weather. it was easy for me to grow, so i don't know what else to tell you- i just kept it watered, fed it a little, and it took off!

Most vines will grow up rather than out. You may need to train them or pinch them to get multiple stems.