Getting Seeds from Hummingbird Vine Pods?

Q: I have a hummingbird vine that produced long pods last year. Can I start another vine from these? And if so, how? There are still some brown, dried out pods on it from last year.

Hardiness Zone: 6

Betty from Hudson Valley area NY

A: Betty,

Yes, you can certainly start new vines from last year's seeds. If the dried pods failed to drop off the vines last year and have spent the winter outdoors, then Mother Nature has already winterized them for you. You can sow them directly in the ground from the date of your last frost through early summer. Alternatively, they can also be started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before you expect to plant them in the garden. Plant the seeds in full sun to a depth of 1/2" and spaced 1" apart. They will tolerate almost any type of soil and can be transplanted easily. The seeds should germinate in 5-15 days. When they are old enough to handle, thin them to 6"-8" apart. Once established, mature plants usually reseed easily.

Ellen