From our perspective, the decision of when to move outdoors is not about a date on a calendar, but about reading the environmental signals that tell us it is safe to grow. Our roots are highly sensitive to cold soil, and our foliage is easily damaged by frost, which is fatal. Therefore, the single most important rule is to wait until all danger of frost has passed for your specific region. For many areas, this typically aligns with the time when nighttime temperatures consistently remain above 50°F (10°C). More ideally, we thrive when nights are above 55°F (13°C) and daytime temperatures are pleasantly warm. Planting us too early into cold, wet soil will cause severe transplant shock, stunting our growth and leaving us vulnerable to root diseases. We will simply sit and shiver, unable to establish ourselves. Patience is key; a late spring planting is far superior to an early one that risks a cold snap.
To flourish and reward you with a spectacular display, we require a specific set of conditions. Our new home should be in a location that receives full sun to very light partial shade. We are sun-worshippers by nature, and a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily is crucial for powering our prolific flowering and maintaining a compact, trailing habit. The soil must be exceptionally well-draining. We despise having our roots sitting in constant moisture, as this quickly leads to root rot. Amend heavy garden soil with generous amounts of compost, peat moss, or a well-draining potting mix to ensure it is loose and airy. Furthermore, we prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH. Most importantly, ensure the planting site or container has adequate drainage holes to allow excess water to escape freely.
A sudden move from the sheltered, stable environment of a greenhouse or garden center to the harsh realities of the outdoors—wind, full sun, and fluctuating temperatures—is immensely stressful for us. This shock can severely check our growth. To avoid this, you must gradually acclimate us to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days. This process is known as hardening off. Begin by placing us in a sheltered, shady spot outdoors for just a few hours on the first day, bringing us back inside at night. Gradually increase our time outside and slowly introduce us to periods of morning sun, avoiding the intense afternoon rays initially. By the end of the week, we should be able to stay out overnight and tolerate full sun without wilting or scorching. This careful process allows our cellular structure to toughen up, ensuring a successful transition.
Once hardened off and the weather is suitable, it is time to plant. Gently remove us from our nursery pot, taking care not to tear or damage the delicate root mass. If our roots are tightly wound (root-bound), gently tease apart the outer roots to encourage them to grow outward into the surrounding soil. Dig a hole that is slightly wider and the same depth as our root ball. Place us in the hole so that the top of our root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole with the amended soil, gently firming it around the base to eliminate large air pockets. Immediately after planting, water us thoroughly and deeply. This settles the soil around our roots and provides the essential moisture needed to begin our establishment process. A layer of light mulch can be applied to help retain moisture and suppress weeds, but ensure it is not piled against our main stem.
