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Q:Do hummingbird vines die out during the winter? I have nothing on my vines.
Hardiness Zone: 9a
Thanks,
Otis from FL
A:Otis,
Depending on the zone they are planted in, hummingbird vines will typically begin to bloom in the spring (May) and continue to bloom throughout the summer and into early fall (September). Not coincidentally, this 5-month period is when most hummingbirds are around. Each flower usually lasts for around 3 to 5 days. In the fall the vine's leaves begin to die back, revealing long pods that contain numerous paper-thin seeds. Once vines are well-established, they will easily reseed themselves. Hummingbird vines can become invasive in many areas if allowed to freely self-seed. You can help control them by collecting seeds each fall and pruning the vines back. Seeds need to be cold treated before they will germinate, so if you intend to save seeds for the following year, place them in a glass jar and keep it in the freezer or outside over winter. You can start new vine indoors 4-6 weeks before transplanting, or sow them directly in the ground after danger of spring frost has passed.
Ellen
About The Author: Ellen Brown is our Green Living and Gardening Expert. Click here to ask Ellen a question! Ellen Brown is an environmental writer and photographer and the owner of Sustainable Media, an environmental media company that specializes in helping businesses and organizations promote eco-friendly products and services. Contact her on the web at http://www.sustainable-media.com
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