From our perspective, a container is our entire world. We cannot seek out better soil or more space; we are entirely reliant on you to provide it. Therefore, the choice of container is paramount. We require a pot that is at least 12 inches (30 cm) deep, but ideally more. Our root systems are surprisingly extensive and need room to stretch out and establish a strong foundation. A container with a diameter of at least 12-18 inches will allow multiple siblings to grow together without becoming fiercely competitive for water and nutrients. Most critically, the container must have excellent drainage holes. Our roots despise waterlogging; it suffocates us and leads to a fatal condition known as root rot.
We cannot thrive in heavy, garden-variety soil when confined to a pot. It becomes compacted, limiting our oxygen supply and hindering root growth. Instead, we crave a light, fluffy, and well-draining potting mix. A high-quality commercial potting soil is ideal, as it is specifically formulated to retain moisture while allowing excess water to drain freely. For an extra boost of energy to support our rapid growth, you can mix in a slow-release granular fertilizer or a generous amount of compost at the beginning of our journey. This gives us the sustained nutrients we need to develop strong.
We are natural climbers. In the wild, we use tendrils to scramble up other plants towards the life-giving sun. In a container, we need you to provide this structure. Please install a support system at the same time you plant us. This prevents damage to our delicate young roots later on. A small teepee of bamboo canes, a miniature obelisk, or a section of trellis is perfect. As we grow, gently guide our tendrils onto the support. This vertical habit is not just for aesthetics; it ensures good air circulation around our leaves, which helps prevent mildew and other diseases, and it allows our flowers to bask in full sunlight.
Producing masses of fragrant blossoms requires a tremendous amount of energy. The initial nutrients in the potting mix will be depleted quickly. To keep us flowering profusely from spring until the heat of summer, we require regular feeding. Begin fertilizing us with a liquid fertilizer high in potash (such as a tomato feed) every two to three weeks once our flower buds begin to form. As for water, our container world dries out much faster than the earth. Check our soil daily, especially as we mature and the weather warms. Water us deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring moisture reaches our deepest roots. A layer of mulch on the soil surface will help conserve this precious moisture.
Our primary purpose is to reproduce by setting seed. Once a blossom is pollinated and begins to fade, we divert our energy into forming seed pods. If you want us to continue putting our energy into creating more beautiful, fragrant flowers for you, you must remove the faded blooms before these pods develop. This process, called deadheading, is a simple signal to us that our reproductive mission is not yet complete. By consistently snipping off the spent flowers, you encourage us to keep blooming in an attempt to produce seed, resulting in a much longer and more spectacular display.
