Hi, I'm new to ATP. I've been gardening for several years, though. I try to grow something different each year from seed, and sometimes I'm successful and sometimes I'm not.

Seeds sown of Tecoma capensis have emerged from winter sowing, but now I'm a little concerned. Usually I do some research before undertaking an adventure with an unknown plant, but I didn't with TC, thinking it would be similar to its little cousin, Tecoma stans, which sports yellow flowers versus the red-orange of T. capensis, and a few other variations, mostly having to do with growth habit.

It seems though that TC doesn't bloom the first year from seed, unlike T. stans.

I am just wondering if anyone else has any experience growing T. capensis from seed, and what your experience was. I don't have any way to overwinter this plant indoors, so I may just have to toss it, and chalk it up to lesson learned (do your research first, Susan!).

Thanks!

Susan

Susan

Sorry I cannot help you with this species. But in my experience sometimes my winter sown things bloom the first year even when they are not supposed to! I can't think of exactly what at the moment!

I've made the mistake of not researching before. I try to think of it as a wild experiment rather than a mistake.

Looking at the "species" entry for Tecoma capensis , I see 7 ATP members have that.
http://garden.org/lists/plant/...

It says "Minimum cold hardiness: Zone 9a".

The ATP Plant Database lists seven specific cultivars, but only one has any data details:
also Minimum cold hardiness: Zone 9a.
Cape Honeysuckle (Tecoma capensis 'Hammer's Rose')
http://garden.org/plants/searc...

@Blondmyk or @flaflowerfloozie, do you have any advice for Susan?

@treehugger, do you think Tecoma capensis will go through a Zone 7a winter with just mulch? (I'm guessing "no".)

I see that you are 6a, do you have to bring it indoors to overwinter? (I'm guessing "yes".)

Wow looks very pretty

Thanks for the comments, everyone! If none of the folks respond to your message, Rick, I guess I will just wait and see. I have 4 seedlings, and I can plant one in the ground (mulched well) and one in a pot to bring indoors (if I can find a spot), and see what happens.

Susan

Hi, Susan and Welcome to ATP

Unfortunately, I don't have any knowledge of the plant your growing, but love learning from everyone's experience. Please continue to post your results here. I love that you try new things every year--I do that also, with very mixed results. But it's fun to try, isn't it?

Good luck, Susan!

Update. I have about 8 seedlings now. They are all sporting their first set of true leaves. While it seems they are growing slowly, we have have been experiencing intermittent bouts of cold nights, down to the low 30's. Since this is a heat loving plant, it is no wonder they are hesitant to grow at a faster pace. When day temps are in 70's and up, I am removing the lids so they can get the breezes and warmth they need. Lids go back on in the evening to retain warmth. The cotyledons obviously identify them as members of the Bignonia family. Will keep everyone posted.....

Susan

How did they turn out, Susan? I just got them in a trade, and I hadn't considered wintersowing them until I ran across your post that they'd germinated and lived through the low 30s!