Description
A small, short-lived vine with string-like stems, deeply lobed compound leaves and tiny white flowers followed by puffy seed pods that look like litte green lanterns. Cardiospermum means “heart-seed” and refers to the heart-shaped, pale hilum on the black seeds. It has a pan-tropical distribution. It makes an unusual ornamental that can be grown as an annual in temperate climates.
Germination Guide
🌍 Tropical and subtropical regions; native to Mexico and pantropical distribution
Easy
Cardiospermum halicacabum is a climbing tropical and subtropical perennial herb, commonly grown as an annual, known for its distinctive inflated seed capsules resembling small balloons with seeds marked with white heart-shaped patterns
Germination
Germination time
Expect germination in
7 – 30 days
Temperature
Min 18°C
Ideal 20°C
Max 21°C
Substrate moisture
💧💧 High
Seed Pre-treatment
-
💧
Soaking — 24 hours
Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours to boost germination
-
🔨
Mechanical scarification
Nick the seed coat with a file before sowing to boost germination
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📋
Additional notes
Both scarification and warm water soaking recommended for optimal germination
Substrate & Container
Recommended substrate
well-drained seed compost or moist well-drained soil mix
Recommended container
Pots for indoor sowing; individual 8cm pots for transplanting seedlings
Growing Tips
Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost or direct sow after last frost. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged during germination. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle to individual pots. Requires support structure (trellis/fence) and full sun for optimal growth. Prefers well-drained soil and regular watering. Plant is considered invasive in southern US states and New Zealand.
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