Starting Hummingbird Vine (Trumpet Vine or Cypress Vine) from Seed: ID & Stratification

"Hummingbird vine" usually means one of two very different plants. Identifying which you have is critical—germination requirements differ dramatically.

Option 1: Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)

Identification: Woody vine, orange-red trumpet flowers, compound leaves. Reference image.

Seed treatment: Cold stratify 30–60 days at 41–50°F (5–10°C). Place ripe seeds (from pods just starting to split) in a damp paper towel inside a sealed bag in the refrigerator. Sow ½ inch deep; germination in 2–4 weeks at 70°F.

Option 2: Cypress Vine (Ipomoea quamoclit)

Identification: Annual vine, feathery leaves, small star-shaped red/white flowers. Reference image.

Seed treatment: No stratification needed. Soak seeds overnight, sow ¼ inch deep, keep warm (75–80°F). Germination in 5–10 days.

If Your eBay Seeds Failed

• They may be old, improperly stored, or mislabeled.
• Trumpet vine seeds require stratification—skipping it explains total failure.
• Buy from reputable seed companies (e.g., Prairie Moon, American Meadows) for reliable, correctly identified seed.

Match your seed to the right protocol, and you'll have hummingbirds visiting in no time.