Atlanta planting calendar
When to plant
Mid-August: save these frost-tender annual seeds for spring. Start indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost, or direct-sow in April after frost danger has passed and the soil is warm. Moonflower needs a full warm season to make its long vines and evening blooms, so an August start is too late for the best display.
Research checked against UGA Extension’s fall pollinator guidance, UGA’s Southern herb guide, Iowa State’s perennial seed guide, and University of Maryland’s native-seed guide. Weather varies, so shift spring dates when frost arrives unusually early or late.
How to sow
Nick the hard seed coat gently with a file, or soak seeds overnight in warm water. Start indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost, or direct sow once the soil is warm. Give each seed about ½ inch of soil.
How to grow
Provide a sturdy trellis, fence, or railing right away. The vines may start slowly, then take off once summer heat arrives. Water regularly while they establish.
What to expect
The large, fragrant flowers open at dusk and are visited by night-flying moths. The vine can grow 10–15 feet in a season.
Seed-sharing note
These seeds came from plants growing in my garden. Seedlings are individuals, so they may not look exactly like the parent plant—and that is part of growing from seed.
A note from my garden“This is one of those plants that makes me stop what I’m doing and look. A white flower opening at dusk feels a little like garden magic.”
