Black Eyed Susan Vine Seeds (Thunbergia alata)

This summer-blooming annual vine was introduced to Britain from India in 1823. Black-eyed Susan Vine is included in a charming book, The Parlor Garden, which Thomas Jefferson's granddaughter, Cornelia Jefferson Randolph, edited and translated from French into English (1861); she noted, "it becomes covered with charming flowers, of a fine nankeen yellow, set off with a black spot in the middle."

Start Black-eyed Susan Vine seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost at 70 degrees F. Transplant to individual pots, then harden off and plant outdoors after the last frost. Black-eyed Susan Vine prefers morning sun and afternoon shade and does not like intense heat; can be grown in planters and hanging baskets. Approximately 14 seeds per packet.