Snail Flower

(Vigna caracalla) Grown by Thomas Jefferson at Monticello. Beautiful, spiral shaped, pale-purple flowers with cream and yellow markings, extremely fragrant. Originally discovered growing in Caracas, Venezuela. Vines in tropical regions can reach 20’. Extremely hard to produce viable seed; this difficulty is reflected in the higher priced seed. Can also be successfully grown in pots with adequate support. Very easy to overwinter in pots and the blooms the second season are very numerous. Tender shrub grown as a perennial in the South and an annual in the North.

Sow seeds indoors, 1" deep, 4-6 weeks before last frost. Seeds will germinate 5-15 days. Transplant outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Prefers full sun.

Seed saving: Viable seed is extremely hard to produce, but whne it does set seet, harvest when pods dry. The roots can be dug in fall in northern areas and overwintered as you would a dahlia. can also be propogated by cuttings. The bloom year 2 are more magnificent.