Lapageria rosea - Chilean Bellflower seeds

Sow the seeds of Lapageria rosea as soon as you receive them. You may find that some of them have already started to germinate. If this is the case, place the seeds in a special seed compost in a transparent plastic bag, and place the whole thing at 15-18°C.

Sometimes it is necessary to soak the seeds for a few days before sowing them.

Change the water every day to keep it fresh and pure. When the seeds have swollen, plant them at a depth of 2 cm (1in), in pots of non-chalky special seed compost. Maintain between 18 and 21° preferably with bottom heat and water sparingly. The first leaves will only appear after 1 to 3 months. Water moderately to prevent the roots from rotting. Start moderately feeding with ericaceous plant food after 2 months. After one year, you can repot directly into a large container and then grow the plants under the required conditions.

Lapageria is a vine for winter gardens and cold greenhouses. It needs cool temperatures in winter, and good light without direct sunlight all year round. A poorly heated but bright room may also be suitable. Provide a sturdy support to support its weight as it grows (trellis, bamboo stake or taut wire). The young flexible stems must be trained before they can cling to their support. Allow enough space and keep in mind that it does not like to be disturbed.

This plant is particularly demanding when it comes to watering and winter temperatures. Prune it in spring to promote good regrowth.

The temperatures of a living room or those of the terrace are suitable in summer. In winter, they should be between 10 and 13°C. Lapageria can tolerate temperatures dropping to 7°C at night.

This plant does not like hard tap water so use rainwater or weak mineral water. Water moderately throughout the year, allowing the substrate to partially dry out before watering again.

Water with liquid fertiliser every fortnight during the growth period, but dilute the recommended dose twice.

Lapageria does not like to be disturbed and should only be repotted if absolutely necessary. Use a rich, but light and well-drained compost. A mixture of leaf compost and ericaceous compost with a thick layer of drainage at the bottom of the pot. It is best to use a large container from the beginning and not transplant it again.