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Canary Bird Flower
Canary Bird Flower
Canary Bird Flower
Seed Packet

Canary Bird Flower

Tropaeolum peregrinum
This favorite heirloom vine was introduced to England in 1755 from its native Peru and, by 1903, was listed in American seed catalogs. The bright yellow flowers have delightfully fringed upper petals that were once fancied to be a bird's wings in flight; to me, they resemble little orchids. The vine climbs on strings or trellis and drapes sturdy summer flowers with spangles of gold.
SKU #S219
$3.25
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Details
Approximate Seeds Per Packet
24
Lifecycle
Annual; tender perennial
Perennial Hardiness Zone
9,
10
Annual Hardiness
Half Hardy Annual
Mature Size
8-12' h x 2-5' w
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Soil
Regular, moist, well-drained
Season
Summer to fall
Color
Bright yellow
Features
Great for containers
Heat or Drought Tolerant
Attracts Butterflies
SOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Depth:
1/4" Tip: Soak seeds in water overnight prior to sowing.
Sprout Time:
7-14 days
Seed To Bloom:
12-14 weeks
Starting Indoors:
Sow indoors in pots 4-6 weeks before last frost. Keep at 65-70°F.
Starting Outdoors:
Direct sow after all danger of frost has passed.
WHEN TO SET OUTSIDE
About 1-2 weeks after all danger of frost has passed, taking special care not to disturb roots.
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
"Pajarito" means little bird in Spanish, a good name for this little winged flower discovered growing near Lima, Peru, in the mid-1700s. Canary bird vine or canary creeper festoons fences and obelisks with brilliant yellow feathery blooms and harmonious gray-green lobed foliage. A warm, sheltered spot in some regular, moist yet well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade. Avoid fertilizer, as that will encourage leaves, not flowers.
Final Spacing:
1.5-3'
Water Requirements:
Medium Water Use
Watering Details:
About 1" per week—drought tolerant once established, however regular watering may encourage more blossoms.
Soil pH:
Mildly acidic to neutral.
Fertilizer:
Do not fertilize, as this will limit blooms and stimulate excess foliage growth. Add 1" compost to poor soils.
Diseases & Pests:
Aphids may pose a problem—treat with an insecticidal soap if hosing down daily does not resolve the issue.