How to Care for Cardinal Vines

Treat the seeds before planting by scratching the hard seed coat. Sandpaper may be used to remove part of the hard seed coating to allow the seed to take in water and germinate more quickly. This is called scarification.

Soak the treated seed overnight in tepid water, which further allows for the speedy germination process.

Insert the support on which the vine will climb before planting into the soil in the container or flowerbed. To grow on existing structures, such as a fence or pergola, plant the seeds a few inches away from the support. It is best to insert the support before planting so as not to damage the roots of the growing plant.

Plant cardinal vine seeds six to eight inches away from the trellis or fence on which you want the vine to climb. Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep.

Direct the vine through openings in the support when the vine reaches the trellis or other growing structure.

Pinch back the top growth when the cardinal vine reaches the top of the support. This encourages growth on the lower part of the plant, making it fuller and offering thicker coverage of the support.

Water the cardinal climber vine when it is dry to the touch. Soil should remain moist. Mulch the container or growing area as an attractive way to hold moisture in the soil.

Continue to direct the vine's growth as needed through the support and pinch back top growth.