Growing Poppies from Seed and Reviving a Black-Eyed Susan Vine

Growing Poppies from Seed and Reviving a Black-Eyed Susan Vine

A New Jersey gardener plans to grow poppies next year and asks for tips. Their black-eyed Susan vine (Thunbergia alata) stopped blooming in heat; they wonder if heat caused it and how to restart flowering.

Poppies

• Sow seeds directly in early spring or fall; they dislike transplanting.
• Choose a sunny, well-drained spot.
• Thin seedlings to 6–12 inches apart.
• Once established, they self-sow readily.

Black-Eyed Susan Vine

• Heat and drying out can halt blooming.
• Trim back lightly.
• Fertilize every 2 weeks with water-soluble fertilizer (e.g., Miracle-Gro).
• Ensure consistent moisture—pots heat up drastically in sun.
• Consider moving to a slightly cooler location (morning sun, afternoon shade).

Regular deadheading also encourages more flowers.