Plant, maintain, multiply and more

Plant bell vines properly

You can plant your bell winds, which you have drawn up behind glass or bought in the garden center, in the bed from mid-May. Place the potted root ball in water until no more air bubbles rise. In the meantime, dig pits with twice the volume of the root ball at a distance of 30 cm. It continues in these steps:

• Enrich the excavation with compost, Horn shavings(€ 32.93 at Amazon *) and a little sand
• In each planting pit, plant a potted plant deep enough that the soil reaches down to the lower pair of leaves
• Pour on with a good sip of water and mulch with leaves or clippings

If the tendrils are already long enough, attach them to the lower struts of the climbing aid. In the further course of the Bell vine thanks to their climbing organs in the form of claws, they can independently find their way upwards.
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Care tips

The linchpin of proper maintenance is the regular and abundant supply of irrigation water. All other cultivation measures are lined up behind it. How to do it right:

• Water bell winds abundantly and regularly as soon as the soil is dry
• From May to September, fertilize with emphasis on phosphorus every 4 weeks
• Clean up withered flowers as soon as possible

If the mercury column falls below 10 degrees in autumn, move the bell vines into the bright winter quarters with temperatures of 10-12 degrees Celsius.

Which location is suitable?

In the sunny, warm and air-bathed location, bell winds show their most beautiful side. In partially shaded locations, the exorbitant water requirement is reduced; In return, the abundance of flowers falls short of expectations. A rain-protected place under an awning or a roof overhang is an advantage, as pounding rain affects the beauty of the flowers.
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What soil does the plant need?

In a nutrient-rich, humus-loose and freshly moist soil, the bell winds find the perfect framework. The clawed winch achieves its optimum in loamy-sandy, not too dry soil with good drainage. For the substrate in the bucket, we recommend a mix of Potting soil, Compost, horn shavings, sand and Perlite.(€ 34.22 at Amazon *)

When is the flowering time?

From June / July until the first frost, the Cobaea scandens enchants us with nodding bell flowers on 15-20 cm long stems. If they initially appear in a subtle green-white, the flower color changes over time into an intense purple, subtle yellow or elegant creamy white. A single flower only lasts a few days. If you brush off dead flowers as soon as possible, the buds underneath will unfold to continue the flowering spectacle.

Cut bell vines correctly

Except for regular cleaning of the withered flowers, the bell wind does not get any cut back. If the rapid growth goes beyond the intended scope, you can cut down tendrils that are too long without hesitation. If the bell vines thrive in the bucket, cut the plant back to 50 cm in autumn and place it in the light, frost-free winter quarters.

Water bell vines

The breathtaking flood of lush green leaves results in a high degree of evaporation, especially on warm summer days. Therefore, water abundantly and regularly. You should preferably check daily with a thumb test whether the soil is dry in order to meet the high water requirement in time. Avoid sprinkling the tendrils, instead pour the irrigation water directly onto the root disc.

Fertilize bell vines properly

In contrast to the high watering requirement, the nutrient balance is on a medium to low level. Fertilize Do a breeze from May to September every 4 weeks with a phosphorus-stressed supplement. Avoid giving nitrogen-rich fertilizers such as blue corn, as these specifically promote leaf growth, which is at the expense of the abundance of flowers.

Overwinter

Mother nature actually intended a windlass to live for several years. In the local regions, however, the plan fails due to the frosty temperatures, as the tropical beauty is not winter-proof. You can use the following procedure to overwinter the climber, provided she thrives in the bucket:

• Allow in autumn at temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius
• Cut back to a maximum length of 50 cm beforehand
• Place in a bright, cool location at 10-12 degrees Celsius
• Pour little and do not fertilize

From the end of February you should gradually accustom the plant to warmer temperatures and sunlight. After the ice saints, your floral winter guest can go outside again.
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Propagate bell vines

Increase the bell winds by sowing the seed in February or March. Put 2-3 seeds in small pots 0.5 cm into the poor substrate, moist and place the vessels in a partially shaded location at 18-22 degrees Celsius. Pinch the seedlings several times so that they branch out lush and grow bushy.

Bell vine in the pot

Choose a 30-40 cm high pot with a volume of at least 10 liters and an integrated climbing aid. We recommend a mixture of potting soil, compost, leaf soil, horn shavings and sand as a substrate. A drainage made of potsherds over the water drain is indispensable. Water the bell winds as soon as the earth has dried. In pot culture, a liquid fertilizer with an extra high phosphorus content has proven itself for the uncomplicated supply of nutrients. It is important to note that you consistently clean off withered flowers.

Is Bell Vines Poisonous?

The bell wind is not poisonous. Thus, the majestic Ranker is ideal for cultivation in the family garden. This also applies to the eye-catching seed heads that develop in autumn. Collect them without hesitation in order to raise another generation from them in the next year.
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Nice varieties

• Violet Beauty: A classic variety, with huge bell-shaped blossoms in an intense violet, richly blooming and suitable for cutting
• Glockenklang: Wonderful splendid mixture of a bell wind for a white and blue sea of ​​flowers up to 400 cm high
• Purple bell: the ideal variety for fences, arbors, rose arches and the balcony, thanks to a height of 200-250 cm
• Cathedral Bells: Majestic bells with lilac flowers on tendrils up to 600 cm long
• Cobaea scandens white: Vigorous bell winds that harmonize impressively with roses thanks to its white flowers