Moonflower

Basic Information

Seed Number

116

Seed Name

Moonflower

Variety

Not recorded

Category

Flower

Plant Family

Convolvulaceae

Plant Type

Moonflower vine (Ipomoea alba)

Planting Method

Direct Sow or Transplant

Seed Status

In Seed Bank

Created

2026-08-14 00:50:34

Updated

2026-08-19 15:35:29

Planting Information

Start Planting Date

Mar 24

Last Recommended Planting Date

Jun 15

Plantable Months

March, April, May, June

Indoor Start

Mar 24 – Apr 7

Direct Sow

May 12 – Jun 15

Transplant

May 19 – Jun 15

Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost

6 weeks

Transplant Weeks After Frost

2 weeks

Germination Days

4–7 days

Harvest/Maturity

Not recorded

Succession Planting

Not recorded

Growing Conditions

Ideal Soil Temperature

65-85°F

Planting Depth

1/4-1/2 in

Plant Spacing

12 in

Row Spacing

24-36 in

Thin-To Spacing

12 in

Sun Requirements

Full sun

Water Needs

Keep evenly moist through germination and establishment; later, let the soil surface dry slightly between waterings

Soil Preference

Well-drained loamy to sandy soil; adaptable to a range of soil types

Minimum Container Size

5 gal with sturdy trellis

Plant Height

Vining; 6-15 ft

Perennial/Biennial Status

Annual

Container Friendly

Yes

Trellis/Support Needed

Yes

Frost Tolerant

No

Heat Tolerant

Yes

Drought Tolerant

No

Pollinator Friendly

Yes

Medicinal

No

Garden Uses

Companion Planting

Storage

Seed Source/Brand

MSU Extension; Detroit frost dates; Almanac Detroit

Packet Year

Not recorded

Quantity Notes

Not recorded

Purchase Date

Not recorded

Expiration Year

Not recorded

Storage Box

Not recorded

Container

Not recorded

Envelope

Not recorded

Row

Not recorded

Slot

Not recorded

Storage Notes

Not recorded

Notes

Original Planting Method: Start indoors or direct sow after frost
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: May 20 – Jun 20
Days to Harvest / Bloom: 90–120 days to bloom
Container Friendly: Yes, large pot with trellis
Pollinator Friendly: Night pollinators
Medicinal / Herbal Use: Ornamental; toxic if eaten
Succession / Reusable Notes: Nick/soak seeds before planting.
Zone 6B Notes: Needs warmth and a trellis.
Companion Plants: Morning glories, sunflowers, zinnias, pollinator/night garden plants
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: No support; cold soil
Sources: MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar | Detroit frost dates: https://www.ufseeds.com/vegetable-planting-calendar-detroit-michigan.html | Almanac Detroit: https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar/MI/Detroit

[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT START]]
Zone 6B: Moonflower is a tropical vine grown as an annual in Zone 6B. Start indoors 4-6 weeks before the May 5 last frost or direct sow after frost when soil has warmed. Growth accelerates dramatically in hot summer weather.
Germination: Nick or lightly file the hard seed coat and soak seed overnight in warm water before planting. Use biodegradable pots when starting indoors because moonflower dislikes root disturbance.
Harvest: Large fragrant white flowers open in the evening and usually fade the following morning. Blooms continue from midsummer until frost.
Seed Saving: Allow seed capsules to mature and dry after flowers fade. Remove the large dark seeds and dry them for about a week before cool, dark, dry storage.
Special Care: Provide a sturdy trellis, fence or arbor early because vines can reach 15 feet. Plant in a protected location away from strong wind.
Research Source: Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds — https://www.rareseeds.com/blog/post/how-to-grow-moonflower — 4-7 day germination, 4-6 week indoor start, 65-85°F germination temperature, spacing, height, sun, trellising and seed saving
Research Source: NC State Extension Plant Toolbox — https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ipomoea-alba/ — Ipomoea alba identity, 15-foot vine potential, full sun, soil drainage, pollinator value and support requirements
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]