In order to grow any plant, you need to understand it. Moreover, such a complex and luxurious plant as kobeya. This article summarizes the experience and knowledge of many gardeners who have understood the needs of the climbing kobe and have been successfully using it for landscaping their plots for several years.
Beautiful tropicana "climbing kobeya"
Every passionate gardener dreams of having something special on his or her plot that makes a bright impression, is pleasing and memorable. Kobea is just such a plant, and growing kobea from seeds at home is a complex, fascinating process and gives the deepest satisfaction.
Like most vines known to us, kobeya comes from the tropics, namely, from the tropics of South America, where about 9 varieties of this plant are found. Under its usual conditions, kobeya is a perennial, grows in tropical forests and can rise to a height of 5-8 meters, clinging with its antennae to branches and tree bark, to all possible protrusions and roughness. Here, kobei propagation occurs naturally through self-germination of fallen seeds.
A completely different situation is observed when trying to grow kobeya in our country. Not everyone known species can tolerate the peculiarities of the Russian climate, so we have the opportunity to admire only one representative of this luxurious vine - the climbing kobeya, but in its different varieties.
Anyone who has ever met a kobe in landscape design, will definitely want to plant this plant in his garden. Kobeya grows very quickly, covers with lush greenery large areas, delights with the openwork emerald of its leaves and large bells of flowers. Having such a beauty in your garden is a very worthwhile endeavor.
A reliable way is to grow kobeya from seeds
As soon as they call kobeya for its disobedience: “capricious beauty”, and “problematic bindweed”, and “belated joy”... Many, many gardeners make attempts to grow this vine every year. It must be said that not everyone succeeds on the first try. But it is imperative to grow kobeya from seeds, and from the latest harvest, since germination directly depends on their age.
There is another argument in favor of doing it yourself: a fairly long period of plant development from germination to flowering. Kobeya, soon after germination, sharply increases in growth until the time of planting permanent place has a large height and needs support. In addition, the tendrils that appear strive to catch on to everything possible, spin around the trunk, intertwine with each other, so each plant needs to be grown individually: sow in time, tie it up, pin it - only then it will delight you with early and abundant flowering.
Growing kobei seedlings will require a lot of space.
During mass cultivation of seedlings necessary conditions it is extremely difficult to provide, if only due to lack of space. Therefore, purchasing a strong, but small bush Kobei, you can hardly expect it to bloom, since in age it is about a month behind its counterparts grown from seeds at home.
Selecting the right soil for growing seedlings
The soil for growing seedlings should be similar to the natural soil of the tropics - light, loose, easily permeable to air and moisture. Many gardeners use universal soil for seedlings. You can prepare a mixture of equal parts of sand, humus, leaf and turf soil. You shouldn’t worry too much about nutritional value and fertilizing, so as not to cause a sharp growth of seedlings, because they have to wait two to three months for planting in the ground.
Kobe planting dates
The whole process of growing kobeya may seem too labor-intensive and complicated, however, those who show patience and sincere interest will receive a well-deserved reward and a long friendship with this amazing plant.
Important! Sowing of seeds must be done at the end of February, but better in early March (spring after all!) The planting schedule should include time for seed preparation - from 1 to 3 days and time for germination - up to 12 - 15 days.
The seed shell is very hard, so many gardeners prefer their preliminary preparation:
- Soak until the shell separates. Cover the container with a damp cloth, spread out the seeds, place everything in a plastic bag, and place in a warm, bright place. Change the napkin periodically, wash the seeds, and prevent mold from appearing. After swelling, the softened shell will detach and can be carefully separated.
- Soaking in Epin solution or within several days. This technique will give the seeds strength, increase immunity and soften the shell.
- Piercing. Soak the seeds until they swell and carefully pierce the shell with a needle. This will help the sprout to break through.
Methods and conditions for seed germination
Then the seeds need to be germinated. There are also several methods known here:
- Take a small container, cover with a damp cloth, spread out the seeds and add water, preventing them from drying out. The container should be in a warm place. The first roots appear after 12-15 days.
- Also spread the seeds on a damp cloth, cover plastic film and put in a warm place. It is necessary to remove condensation from the film daily, ensure that mold does not form, and change the napkin. The waiting period for the first roots is 2 weeks.
- Place the seeds in peat tablets, do not over-moisten or over-dry. When a sprout appears, transfer it to a pot with soil.
- Sow dry kobea seeds in wet soil into a small container. Shoots will appear in 2-3 weeks. In the future, it will be transplanted into a larger container.
Proper care of kobe seedlings is half the success
You can sow and grow kobeya in peat and any other cups, but the most gentle way is in foil cups. They are easy to make yourself. To do this, you need to take a regular glass, wrap it in 2-3 layers of foil, without grabbing the bottom, and carefully remove the resulting cylinder from the glass. Required quantity Place such cylinders tightly in a container with holes in the bottom and fill with soil. Then sow the seeds to a depth of 1.5-2 cm.
As we remember, kobei seeds have low germination, so such sleeves are temporary containers and are intended solely to avoid unnecessary consumption of soil and space. After the sprouts appear, the first true leaves unfold, the viability of the future vine becomes clear, the cylinders can be easily torn and, without damaging the root system of the seedling, transplant it into a larger container, in which it will safely wait until it is planted in open ground. The volume of three to four liter pots will be quite enough.
Growing kobei seedlings on a windowsill.
During this infant period, caring for the kobei consists of watering, feeding with humate, and providing support. The plant develops rapidly, shoots out a long powerful shoot, which is looking for something to gain a foothold on. Wooden sticks can be used as support, but most often their length is not enough. It is much more convenient for these purposes to take twine or hemp rope, secure one end of it at a height and wrap the other around the seedling. When the time comes to move, it will be convenient to untie the rope, roll it together with the plant into a ring and transport it for planting to the dacha or plot.
During this same period, you can pinch the vine for the first time to awaken the lateral buds. By the time it is transplanted to a permanent location, the kobeya reaches a height of up to two meters, and it is better if several shoots have already been formed.
The subtleties of planting kobe seedlings in open ground
For different regions of our country, the time for planting kobei in open ground can be different: from mid-May to mid-June. You need to wait for consistently warm weather, since a drop in temperature to +10 - +5ºС is difficult for young plants to tolerate.
To plant kobei, you should choose the sunniest, warmest, but not hot, places. In areas with scorching sun, it is better to use light partial shade. In addition, you should avoid drafts and strong winds, as the wind tears and breaks the shoots. In any case, the kobeya should be in plain sight, as its appearance provides aesthetic pleasure. But that’s exactly why we grow it!
This luxurious vine requires space, as it can cover quite large areas. If you plan to plant several bushes side by side, then the distance between them should be 70 - 90 cm. Some skilled gardeners practice rooting cuttings by dropping them, so with the help of one kobe bush you can turn an unsightly fence into a fragrant green hedge over the course of a season.
Before planting the kobei, a spacious planting hole is prepared and filled with fertile soil. The pot is well watered, after which the seedling is carefully removed, placed in a permanent place, watered abundantly and tied up.
Caring for kobeya in the garden
Kobeya will not let you relax even after landing in the ground. She really loves moisture, spraying, feeding. To achieve the greatest decorative effect, it must be watered regularly, tree trunk circles mulch in hot climates or loosen in humid climates.
This tropical beauty doesn't like dry air. In the heat, dry spots may appear on the tips of the leaves, growth and flowering may stop. This phenomenon is temporary. Evening spraying will make life easier for the plant. With a drop in ambient temperature and the onset of cool evenings, the kobeya will again appear in all its splendor.
After transplanting into the ground and during the period of active growth, weekly fertilizing with organic and mineral fertilizers is necessary, which is best alternated. A good effect is achieved by using mullein infusion, nitrogen and complex fertilizers for flowering plants. With the appearance of the first buds, you need to add fertilizers containing potassium and phosphorus; nitrogenous ones, on the contrary, should be reduced, since we are more interested in flowers rather than leaves.
Regular pinching prevents the lashes from becoming too long and intertwined. The bush becomes more decorative and looks well-groomed. A garter is required only at first; later the kobeya will take care of it herself, the main thing is to provide her with strong support.
It must be taken into account that this vine is quite aggressive and is capable of using its closest neighbors as a support, so it is extremely important to maintain intervals between plants and remove overgrown shoots of kobei.
Options for using kobeya in garden design
Kobeya climbing is a source of inspiration for landscape designers and creative gardeners.
- It can be used for vertical gardening of pergolas, gazebos, and arches.
- Behind the lush greenery of this vine you can hide a variety of architectural flaws: dilapidated fences, ugly brickwork, a rough retaining wall.
- By arranging a dense curtain of kobeya, it is easy to divide the garden into recreation areas according to interests.
- After planting the bush in a container, you can place it on the top step of a stone staircase and let the shoots cascade down.
- A wire garden figure can be transformed into a living sculpture in one summer with just one plant.
- The balconies decorated with kobeya are magnificent. Although it is not easy to get it to bloom in such conditions, its powerful greenery is captivating, and flowers can be added by hanging varieties of other plants.
- The flower beds consisting of cobea and its partner plants are very beautiful. Some gardeners use different varieties of petunia, profusely flowering, low-growing, and verbena for this purpose.
Known methods of breeding kobei
In addition to propagation by seeds, our gardeners describe several more methods:
- Digging in shoots. From an adult plant, select a powerful shoot located close to the ground, prepare a long groove for it, place it there, secure with a wire pin and cover 2/3 with soil. Pin the top of the shoot. Make sure the soil is constantly moist. Soon young shoots will appear and the bush will spread not only in height, but also in width.
- Summer sowing. Sow kobeya seeds in peat pots in mid-July at home. After germination and the appearance of real leaves, plant it in a large pot and bury it in the garden. There the plant adapts to external conditions and prepares for wintering. With the onset of cool temperatures, the pot of kobeya is taken out, checked for pests, watered and put into the basement. If there is a cool and bright room, then you can leave it there too. In April, the vine is returned from wintering to a sunny windowsill and then the kobeya is cared for as described above.
- Cuttings from last year's bush. Place the bush that overwintered in the basement in a warm, bright place. After some time, it will throw out young shoots, which are carefully cut off and rooted in damp sand, just like any other cuttings.
Is it worth collecting kobe seeds?
In the southernmost regions where it is possible early boarding kobei in open ground, it is observed abundant flowering, some gardeners get the fruits. However, even there the seeds do not reach the required maturity and are unlikely to be able to produce offspring.
In more northern regions, kobeya does not have time to form seeds at all, so seed material must be purchased annually and, preferably, from different manufacturers.
From Tropican to Russian
Restless gardeners do not stop trying to transform the climbing kobe from an annual into a perennial. To do this, summer sowing is done (the method was described above), and adult bushes are also left for wintering.
In early - mid-October, the vine bush is pruned and inspected for the presence of pests and diseases. Healthy specimens are carefully dug up, placed in a large container and transferred to the basement, where they are stored at a temperature of +8-10ºС until spring, occasionally moistening. In April, the plant is pulled out into light and warmth and cared for before planting in open ground. Gardeners who have successfully used this method report earlier and more abundant flowering of kobei.
How to recognize diseases and protect against pests
The most dangerous disease for kobei is root rot. It is especially common in areas with a humid climate. Its signs are the appearance of dark spots on flowers and leaves, and in later stages – the wilting of the entire bush. The plant requires constant watering and, in order to avoid the development of root rot, the tree trunk circles must be loosened, providing oxygen access to the roots.
Another unpleasant phenomenon is drying out the tips of the leaves, slowing down the growth and formation of flowers. This cannot be called a disease, just a plant reaction to high temperatures, which are observed in areas with hot climates. You can help the vine survive an unfavorable period by spraying the shoots in the evening. Later she will thank you for such care with lush greenery and abundant flowering.
The succulent leaves of the kobei tree are relished by two main pests: spider mites and aphids, and while aphids are easy to detect and destroy, the situation with spider mites is much more complicated. There are many different methods known folk remedies, but it’s better not to waste time, but to immediately use modern chemicals according to the instructions in order to have a healthy and beautiful bush on your site.
- a microscopic insect that many inexperienced gardeners discover too late, when the leaves begin to turn yellow and fall off, and in the advanced stage a thin cobweb is visible, entangling the leaves, shoots, and flowers. Such a plant will die on its own and become a breeding ground for spider mites, which quickly spread to many other plants.
One adult female, during her short life of 2-3 weeks, manages to produce several hundred eggs, which mature and produce new insects every 3 days. Once in the ground, the eggs remain viable for 5 years. A spider mite infestation is similar to an epidemic and requires quick and decisive action.
Approach your kobei often, inspect the leaves and as soon as you notice small yellow dots, turn the leaf over and examine its lower surface through a magnifying glass. Most likely you will find a light cobweb and a colony of small insects: adults, small ones and numerous eggs. It is urgent to remove and burn the affected leaves, treat with an appropriate preparation and repeat this procedure until the plant is completely healthy.
It makes no sense to list the names of drugs to combat aphids and spider mites, since these insects develop resistance and the means of control should be changed annually.
Suggested varieties of kobei
As mentioned above, only one species can grow in Russia - climbing kobeya. The most popular varieties are those with purple and white flowers. Moreover, purple varieties of kobei have larger flowers, up to 10 cm in diameter, and white varieties have beautiful greenery 
and the flowers are slightly smaller - 8 cm. It is interesting that in the process of growth, each flower changes its color from rich purple to almost pink and from greenish to delicate white, so every day the kobeya transforms and looks new.
To maintain its decorative effect on high level, you need to remove dried flowers. And if seed pods also appear on your vine, then you can admire its beauty tirelessly. They look especially luxurious mixed plantings purple and white varieties.
Planting material should be purchased every year and from different manufacturers. Firm Russian vegetable garden, for example, offers kobei seeds Lilac Ringing and Tsar Bell. The first variety has large purple flowers, the flowering period is from July to September. The second is later flowering, from July until frost, and slightly smaller delicate white flowers.
In the assortment of the online store Plasma Seeds white varieties are represented by Kobei Jingle Bells and White climbing, and 
purples are Amethyst Bells and Violet Climbing. They differ from the “Russian Garden” samples only in shades of color; the main characteristics are practically the same.
Agrofirm Aelita, in addition to those listed, offers Lady Hamilton kobeya with dazzling white flowers and Violet, blooming with dark purple and pale purple large bells. So there are options to choose from.
No matter how troublesome the process of growing kobeya from seeds at home may seem, all the work will be rewarded by communication with a magnificent plant, aesthetic pleasure and a sense of pride in one’s own success.
Continuation of the topic:
Kobea is an ornamental vine native to South America. A climbing subshrub in the warm, humid climate of the subtropics, it grows in forests as a perennial plant. Kobeya was cultivated in end of XIII century. In landscape design, it is used as an element in vertical gardening. With the help of lianas they design:
- hedges;
- arches;
- balconies;
- gazebos.
In the rather harsh climate of our country, the ornamental vine is grown as an annual. In nature, there are nine varieties of plants belonging to the genus Kobei. Flower growers use one type of climbing kobei. It has a number of other names:
- creeping kobeya;
- Mexican ivy;
- monastery bells.
Kobeya is a climbing shrub with a powerful, branched root system in the form of thin fibrous roots. The liana can grow more than six meters per season.
The stem is branched, angular, covered beautiful leaves complex-pinnate, arranged alternately. Each shoot ends with tendrils; these are modified leaves; it is with their help that the vine is able to rise to great heights on any basis.
Thanks to the nutrition provided by the powerful root, the plant develops very quickly. In a short period of time, the vine weaves around a large vertical area, which is very important in landscape design for the decorative design of gardens and personal plots.
The leaf axils are the places where the flower stalks are located. Quite long (20 cm). The flowers are large and fragrant. The shape is bell-shaped. The diameter is about 8 cm. The pistil and stamens protrude strongly from behind the petals. This makes the flowers elegant and unique. Bell-shaped flowers are arranged singly or in pairs.
Flowering is long lasting. Lasts until the first frost. The first flowers open in July. By the end of the season, fruits are formed from them. The shape of the fruit resembles a box. The seeds are flat, oval, large. When the flowers bloom they are greenish-cream and smell musky. Later, a change in color and smell occurs. The color becomes either white or purple. Depends on the variety. They smell like honey.
In the nature of South America, there are nine species. Flower growers use only one for breeding. A species that has found application is the climbing kobei. Reproduces:
- Seeds through seedlings;
- Cuttings (rarely).
Liana is a tropical plant that loves warmth and moisture. The climate in most regions of Russia is harsh for it; it cannot winter; it is grown traditionally as an annual crop.
In the middle zone with proper care During the summer season, the vine grows well in its vegetative mass. It manages to bloom. With the seedling method of cultivation, it begins to bloom in July and blooms until frost. Fruits are formed, but seeds rarely ripen.
In southern regions with a subtropical climate, the vine can be cultivated as a perennial. Flowering of perennial kobeya begins in April. Gardeners love kobeya for its high decorative value. During the period of active growth, it can quickly braid any support:
- Cone.
- Pergola.
- Arch.
- Column.
- Grid.
A decorative support, covered with bright green lacy foliage and, at the end of summer, bell-shaped flowers of different shades, becomes a real decoration of the garden from June until frost.
The violet kobeya variety is ideal for vertical gardening. The liana grows up to 4 meters per season. It gives a lot of shoots. It blooms with beautiful, large, bell-shaped flowers.
The flowers can be different shades of purple, ranging from light purple to dark purple. Blooms profusely when grown on sunny areas with soil dug deep before planting.
During the summer, for full growth and flowering, the liana requires:
- regular watering;
- feeding;
- topping;
- loosening.
A spectacular annual climbing plant. By the end of summer, the vine reaches a height of 4 meters. It blooms with large white flowers, the diameter of which is almost 8 centimeters. It is recommended to plant along the walls of the gazebo, near the fence, along the balconies.
The plant produces shoots that, clinging to the support with their tendrils, quickly grow and delight the eye with a waterfall of leaves of a beautiful emerald green color. The shape of the inflorescences is very similar to large bells. At the beginning of flowering they are pale green, gradually changing color and becoming bright white.
Preference is given to areas brightly lit by the sun. With fertile, loose soils. It is recommended to propagate by seeds. To obtain strong seedlings at the end of May or the first ten days of June, sow seeds in February.
The Tsar Bell variety is an annual climbing vine. Grows up to 3 meters in height. The leaves are pinnate with a wrinkled surface. At the end of the shoot there are tendrils that attach the plant to the support.
It blooms with large white flowers (6-8 cm), the shape resembles a large bell. Flowering continues from early July until the first frost.
The Tsar Bell perfect plant for vertical gardening. Recommended to use for decoration:
- facades of houses;
- verandas;
- gazebos;
- trellis.
Sowing is recommended to be done in February. Replant into the ground after warm weather with above-zero night temperatures sets in. Usually this is the end of May, beginning of June. You can get strong in abundance flowering plant when planting seedlings in July.
Kobei variety Amazon, blooms beautiful purple flowers shaped like bells, at first they are light green and gradually turn purple.
The plant produces many shoots that quickly reach a length of 4 meters.
At the ends of the shoots there are mustaches. Amazon liana grows well in fertile soil. Loves watering, fertilizing, sunlight.
In greenhouse conditions it can be grown as a perennial crop.
To grow kobeya, you need seeds and knowledge of certain rules of agricultural technology, knowing which even a beginner can cope and independently grow strong, good seedlings of annual kobeya.
When planning a planting site, consider what the vine likes:
- Fertile, fertilized soil;
- deeply dug soil;
- absence of drafts;
- Sun.
When to plant seedlings
In our climate, with frequent spring frosts, you can achieve flowering of kobei if you think about seedlings in time. This must be done in February. The best time The period for sowing is considered to be from the end of February to mid-March.
Preparing soil and seeds
Kobe seeds are quite large, flat, and have a round shape. You can sow dry, but soaked seeds germinate faster. You will need:
- Saucer;
- Plastic bag;
- Seeds;
- Toilet paper;
- Epin (or any other growth stimulant).
Roll up toilet paper in several layers, soak it in a growth stimulator, and place it on a saucer. Place the seeds on toilet paper so that they do not touch each other. Place the saucer inside a plastic bag. Tie the bag and place it in a warm, lit place.
Until the seeds hatch, they should be periodically rinsed in running water, toilet paper should be changed, and mold should not appear on the seeds. If the wait for pecking is prolonged, you can try to help - take a needle and prick each seed.
To obtain strong seedlings, you need good soil and a separate container for each plant. When sown in individual containers, kobeya suffers less during transplantation. You should buy universal or special flower soil at a flower shop.
Fill containers with soil. Water. Carefully place the sprouted seeds in the middle of each pot. Cover with a layer of soil of at least 1.5 cm. At an air temperature of 20, sprouts will appear after 2-3 weeks.
Seedlings grow better and stretch less if the ambient temperature is not higher than 16 C. Good lighting plays an important role. The more light, the stronger and healthier the plant. As soon as the sprouts appear, place supports in the pots. The young vine will cling to it. Instead of rigid supports, you can use twine, securing it at the top.
Basic care before transplanting into open ground:
- Watering;
- spraying with warm water;
- shortening long lashes.
If the indoor air is too dry, young plants may suffer from spider mites. Kobeya grows quickly, so that the vines do not intertwine with each other, you need to place pots with seedlings so that there is a large gap between them.
A larger pot will be required for replanting as soon as the container becomes too small for the root system. Transshipment is necessary for good seedling growth.
Only when the threat of night frosts has passed should the kobea be planted in a permanent place in the garden. Even a small minus can destroy a fragile seedling. It is most reliable to carry out transplantation work in early June.
When planting several vines, dig holes at a distance of at least 0.5 meters. For good plant growth, prepare a dressing for planting holes, mix:
- Peat;
- Humus;
- River sand;
- Garden soil.
It would be nice if you add a little double superphosphate to the pit. This will increase soil fertility. Before transshipment, do not forget to water the plant. Remove it carefully from the container and place it in landing hole, cover with soil, compact it tightly and fill with water. To retain moisture, mulch the soil with dry grass.
In summer, kobeya needs to be watered in a timely manner. The plant is subtropical and needs moisture. It is necessary to water moderately, avoiding stagnation of moisture. Once two weeks after planting, feed with nitrogen fertilizers; further feeding should be done only with flower fertilizers that do not contain nitrogen. You can use infusions made from ash, mullein, and herbs.
In dry, hot weather, it is necessary to irrigate the vine. If this is not done, spider mites will appear on the plant. Flowering continues until frost. To prevent the plant from losing its decorative appearance, remove faded and dried flowers regularly.
The liana constantly throws out new shoots. During the summer, you will have to tie them to a support so that they do not entangle other plants growing nearby. It has been noted that on acidic soils the flowers have a red tint, while on soils with low acidity the flowers are blue.
Most often, with excessive watering or in damp summers, kobeya is affected by root rot. A symptom of the disease will be the presence of dark spots on the leaf blades. Loosening the soil is the main prevention of the disease. If diseased plants appear, they must be removed as quickly as possible by digging them up along with the roots.
You shouldn’t expect to get your kobe seeds in the fall. In the conditions of the Russian climate, this is an impossible task. The seeds do not have time to ripen. You should only rely on purchased seeds. Moreover, their germination rate, even among well-known companies, is not high, no more than 30%.
Is it possible to preserve kobeya in winter?
A not lazy gardener with a cellar can grow kobeya as a perennial crop. After October 10, before night frosts hit, all stems must be cut off.
Kobeya climbing is a liana with flowers of extraordinary beauty. Actually, it is a perennial plant, but, like many guests from southern countries (kobei’s homeland is the South American tropics), it grows here as an annual.
In its homeland, kobei has nine species. We have plants with white and purple flowers. They have shoots from four to six meters long and beautiful feathery leaves. With the help of tenacious antennae, the kobea easily climbs from one support to another. And her flowers are such that, having seen them once, it is impossible to forget. Bells, or rather bells, up to 8 centimeters in diameter with prominent stamens. They can be purple in various shades. At first the flowers are light, greenish, then they become darker and brighter. The bush during flowering looks like christmas tree, decorated with multi-colored bells. White kobeya is also found.
Growing from seeds at home
Kobeya reproduces by seeds, which do not ripen under our conditions. Therefore, you have to buy them every year. Fortunately, there are no problems with the purchase. Almost all flower seed companies sell kobeya. Growing from seeds is a rather difficult process. Their germination rate is quite low. Reviews from gardeners say that even only a third of sprouted seeds sprout. They note the company “Russian Garden”, whose results are much better. Almost all of their sown kobeya germinates.
Growing from seeds begins very early, in winter. Sowed from February to mid-March. Although some gardeners do this in mid-March. And they claim that in July they already admire the flowers that cover the climbing kobe. Growing from seeds can occur in two ways:
- When sowing dry kobe seeds, place them one at a time in a cup. Having placed the seed with its flat side on the surface of the soil, sprinkle it with a layer of 1.5-2 cm of soil and compact the soil tightly. This will help shed the seed coat. She often tears off the cotyledon leaves, which can cause the death of the purple kobeya. Growing from seeds gives top scores, if before sowing you soak them in a growth stimulator for several hours. This could be Epin or aloe juice.
- Kobe seeds are soaked in the same way as the seed of all other plants. The peculiarities of growing kobeya from seeds are that they have an unusual size and shape. The seeds are large, flat and hairy. Their surface is very durable. Because of this, they cannot germinate in any way. When soaked, the seeds become covered with a slippery shell, which is formed from the swelling of the hairy crust. Gardeners advise removing it, but this can not be done immediately, since it takes several days to separate. They say that after this, kobeya germinates faster. Growing from seeds at home may include one more step. Seeds that have not hatched after a day of soaking are advised to be pierced with a needle and placed in water again for a day.
Hatched seeds are sown as described above. After two to three weeks, or even 25 days, shoots appear. This is how long it takes for kobeya to sprout. Growing from seeds (photo attached) in this case gave results.
Gardeners offer an interesting method. It turns out that kobeya can be planted in peat pots in the summer, in July. They grow a little before winter and then are stored in the cellar. In March they are taken out into the sun and watered. Then they wait until the threat of spring frosts has passed, harden off and plant in a permanent place. Plants bloom much faster than those sown in spring. They do not outgrow in the cellar. But you need to constantly monitor them. After all, there is often high humidity, which can lead to the death of plants. No one says that with this method of storage they died from the cold.
Dive
After the sprout has its first true leaf, they dive into a separate container, larger in size, with a volume of three liters, so that the kobe can grow in it for a long time. Growing from seeds (photo) in such a pot will allow the plant to form a strong root.
First, the sprout in the old container is well watered, then taken out along with a lump of earth, trying not to disturb its integrity, and sprinkled with new soil. Water again. Make sure that the plant has enough light.
At the end of summer or even in September, kobeya blooms. Growing from seeds begins earlier precisely for this reason. If seedlings appeared in mid-February, and it can be planted in open ground at the end of May, then all this time it will remain indoors and grow. If you put it in a small bowl, it will soon become small and you will need to transfer it to a deeper pot so that the leaves do not turn yellow. You also need to take into account that kobeya is a vine, and it needs a support on which it will twist. Some plants manage to grow to a height of up to two meters before being planted in the ground. It’s also good if you don’t need to transport it anywhere, but this happens.
Kobeya can be propagated by cuttings. Plants obtained in this way begin to bloom faster. But the bush itself is stronger if it grew from a seed. The cuttings are planted in sand, moistened and a film shelter is made in which constant humidity is maintained. But for this you need to have on hand ready plant, from which you can take cuttings. Since there are not many such trees around, it is quite difficult to do this. As you can see, the only way available to everyone to reproduce kobeya is by growing it from seeds. When to plant it in open ground?
Temperature
Kobeya is not afraid of cold and low positive temperatures. An adult plant can withstand frosts up to 5 degrees. And zero is dangerous for the young. It is planted in the ground at a stable temperature at night of at least 4 degrees. This is approximately the end of May. Before this, you need to harden the seedlings by placing them on a balcony or a protected place in the yard.
Landing place
Kobeya is planted in fertile soil, previously limed. The area should be well lit and protected from cold winds. It can grow in partial shade, but will not bloom in the shade.
Kobe needs a large amount of soil for normal growth. Therefore, it is almost impossible to bring it to flowering in a pot of any size. This means you shouldn’t grow kobeya on the balcony.
Planting in a permanent place
Plants are planted at a distance of at least half a meter. Kobeya tolerates transplantation well. She quickly regains strength and begins to grow. Sometimes during transportation its stems remain twisted for a long time. During this time, they can wrap themselves and intertwine with each other. Then it is very easy to damage them when installing them on the support.
Topping
Kobeya is a very tall vine. If you do not adjust its length, it will climb up and somewhere there will weave itself into a ball. Can climb to a height of up to 9 meters! Therefore, usually its top is pinched after transplantation. But you don’t need to do this earlier so as not to end up with a wide and low plant. If you plan to point the kobei on a support long length, then you shouldn’t pinch it.
Care
The area where kobeya grows is constantly:
- watered;
- fly;
- loosen;
- fed.
Supports
It needs support in the form of a strong mesh or a specially made arch, which are now widespread.
Watering
Kobeya will not bloom if the soil around it is dry. Does not like extreme heat when its root system overheats. In this case, without abundant watering, it drops the flowers, and all the long-awaited beauty disappears.
Fertilizer
You can feed kobeya with a complex mineral fertilizer containing a balanced amount of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. If you give preference to nitrogen, the plant will intensively produce leaves, and flowers may not appear.
But if all care conditions are met, then in July or August (depending on the region and weather) it is covered with large, charming bells that will give you joy until frost.
Storage
Since kobeya is a perennial plant, you can store it indoors until next summer. To do this, you need to prune and dig up the plant before frost sets in. Immerse it in a wide dish and place it in a bright room, the temperature in which is about 12 degrees. You need to make sure that the root system does not dry out completely, but water it very rarely. In February, place the pot in the light in a warm place and begin to water it. In this case, it will begin to bloom much earlier and more abundantly.
Moreover, gardeners suggest storing kobei bushes with a lump of earth right in the cellar, just like seedlings. They claim that the plants successfully withstand such wintering.
Usage
Used for landscaping arches, gazebos, balconies (with planting below).
If you don't keep an eye on her, she easily climbs onto trees or nearby poles and decorates them too.
So, you will have to tinker with the plant a lot. But what a pleasure you will get when the kobeya finally blooms. Growing from seeds is a troublesome process. But, as we know, what we get with difficulty is valued most of all. Still, many gardeners, having suffered with kobeya for six months before planting, and even a couple of months before flowering, are in no hurry to buy its seeds next year.
Climbing plants can be a great addition to any garden if they are positioned correctly and cared for well. And now you can buy seeds in almost any flower shop. beautiful annuals or perennials that will weave around hedges, gazebos or even trees. They can be decorative deciduous, or they can delight the eye with attractive flowering. One of the climbing crops for the garden can be kobeya. We will discuss growing kobei from seeds at home, clarify how such a plant is planted, and what care it needs in open ground.
Russian gardeners grow kobeya as perennial plant. But even in one year it can grow very quickly and help create a hedge. Kobeya is climbing vine, it has a tenacious stem on which many small tendrils, flowers and leaves grow, which are shaped like hearts. The diameter of the flowers of this crop reaches twelve centimeters; they can have different shapes and colors, depending on the variety.
Growing kobeya from seeds at home
In order to enjoy the attractive flowering of kobeya on your site, you first need to grow its seedlings from seeds. It is best to do this in late winter - early spring. Planting material must first be soaked in a solution of a growth stimulator. It is advisable to plant each seed in a separate container.
Place it on top of the ground and sprinkle with a small amount of soil. Afterwards, spray the soil with a spray bottle and cover with polyethylene. The soil for sowing kobei seeds should be nutritious, light and loose.
The first shoots of kobeya should appear in about a couple of weeks. If you want to get sprouts a little earlier, germinate the seeds before sprouting. To do this, you need to soak the planting material in a damp piece of fabric and leave it until the first shoots appear. At the same time, the fabric must remain constantly damp, and it must be kept at a temperature of at least twenty degrees.
After pecking, the seeds need to be embedded in the soil with a flat side, cover the container with polyethylene and send to a bright place with a temperature of at least twenty degrees.
Hatched sprouts need to be ventilated periodically and, over time, the cover must be removed completely. You also need to provide the plants with sufficient watering.
Somewhere in April, the first leaves should appear on the seedlings. After this, she needs to organize hardening, which will help the plants take root faster and easier in open ground. Usually, seedlings are taken outside for a while, gradually increasing the hardening time.
Growing kobei in open ground
Kobei planting
To successfully grow kobeya, you must first choose a suitable place for it in the garden. Since this plant is very light-loving, readers of Popular Health should plant it in well-lit areas, protected from drafts.
The chosen location should have nutritious and loose soil, and good drainage also plays an important role. First you need to dig up the ground and level the surface using a rake.
About a week before the planned planting, the holes should be prepared. They should be at a distance of half a meter - one meter from each other. They should be filled with a mixture made from humus and peat, and tamped down a little. Before planting, the soil must be watered.
Planting seedlings in open ground should be done in early June. It is important that at this moment the threat of return frosts has completely passed. If you are not sure about the weather, it is better to additionally protect the kobeya for a while with a couple of layers of non-woven covering material.
Features of caring for Kobeya
Kobeya is not a very capricious plant. It needs to be watered periodically. Systematic moistening is necessary for the vine in extreme heat and drought, in which case it should be quite abundant. But you need to remember that excessive dampness can harm the plant and cause it to develop root rot.
As for fertilizing, they are carried out throughout the entire growing period with an interval of one and a half to two weeks. For this purpose, it is best to use various fertilizers. Experienced gardeners recommend carrying out the first feeding of kobei at the stage of growing seedlings, after the first leaf appears on the seedlings, using humates. Next you need to alternate mineral supplements(for example, “Kemira”), with organic (mullein infusion). Fertilizers are used until the beginning of the flowering period.
Among other things, kobeya in the garden needs to periodically loosen the soil and eliminate germinating weeds. In addition, the plant needs to be provided with support.
This vine can bloom until frost, and must be removed in the fall. Unfortunately, the seeds on such plants simply do not have time to ripen, so there is no point in collecting them.
Growing in open ground, kobeya is quite resistant to diseases and pests. However, it can be attacked by spider mites, which can be controlled with insecticides. Sometimes insufficiently proper care can lead to the development of root rot, in which case the plant may die. You need to let the soil dry a little and adjust proper watering.
Kobei are very beautiful flowering vines that can decorate not only a summer cottage, but also a balcony.
The Mexican climbing plant beautifully decorates balconies, terraces, gardens, fences and fences. Huge glasses of purple, pink or white flowers delight the eyes almost all summer. The plant has become very popular. In a short time it weaves the walls of gazebos, balconies or greenhouses. It is worth finding out what the requirements of this plant are, how to plant and grow climbing kobei from seeds in the open ground, in the garden and at home.
Plant from Mexico
In our conditions, Cobaea scandens, the climbing cobea, is most often grown. Her name fully corresponds to the plant; she can climb all buildings. Gardeners are delighted with its beautiful flowers and the speed at which the vine grows.
She came to us from Mexico, where her length reaches 30 meters. Belongs to the Sinyukhov family (Polemoniaceae L.). Thanks to its unique, charming appearance, the plant gains more and more supporters every year.
Botanical characteristics of kobei with photos
| Escapes The plant is distinguished by fast-growing shoots up to 4 meters long. If the cultivation is favorable, the plant height reaches 7 meters! | 
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| Flowers The most important distinguishing feature This climbing plant has flowers that resemble bells in shape. Flowers: large, cup-shaped, set on long stems, growing individually from the corners of the leaves. They are shaped like cups on saucers, hence the English name – cup and saucer vine. They are very impressive - reaching 7 cm in diameter. The most common kobei are white, purple and Pink colour. An additional decoration of flowers is decorative stamens. | 
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| Fruit Kobeya is characterized by long flowering - even until the first frost. Fruits rarely develop under our conditions. Sometimes the plant manages to form fruits in our gardens (green plums), from which seeds can be collected. At optimal conditions the fruits are 5-7 cm long and ovoid in shape. | 
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| Seeds Large, brown, flattened (15 pieces/1 g). | 
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| Leaves The large, oval leaves of kobei are beautiful, with clearly visible veins, turning red-violet in autumn. The leaves end in tendrils. In autumn, kobeya looks attractive not only due to the changing color of the leaves, but also due to the flowers that bloom until October. | 
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Although the flowers seem very delicate and fragile, the plant itself is extremely strong and resilient. The most important drawback of the vine is that it rarely survives the winter in our conditions. Therefore it is considered an annual plant. Although kobeya is usually grown as an annual plant, its beauty can be enjoyed for many years in a greenhouse.
Kobeya climbing – photo in the garden
Types of kobei
Unfortunately, we do not grow as many varieties of kobei as in Mexico, New Zealand or the Philippines. There are only 3 varieties that differ in flower color. The most popular purple kobeya. The white kobeya Alba is interesting; it has beautiful white bells that are very impressive.
Photo. Alba variety
A characteristic feature of this climbing plant– a subtle aroma that is felt especially in the evening. Therefore, it is worth planting it on a balcony or terrace, where you can relax on a summer evening. The feathery leaves are also decorative; at the beginning of the vine’s development, they become green, then acquire purple-red hues.
Planting and care in open ground
Climbing kobeya is an undemanding flower, but you need to know some growing features.
Requirements for growing conditions
To create ideal conditions for kobeya, you need to provide a loamy substrate with a sufficient amount of humus. We must not forget about regular watering. The best planting location is a solar exposure area. This spectacular plant tolerates direct Sun rays. A large amount of light stimulates long and abundant flowering of kobei. The liana feels great in protected places, so it is recommended to plant it on the terrace or balcony.
You can take a chance and plant the vine in a more shady place. But in the shade, the bell-shaped flowers will not be as impressive and the plant will produce less foliage. Shelter from the wind promotes a longer growing season because kobeya is not very resistant to low temperatures.
Fertilizers and watering
Kobeya grows very strongly and needs plenty of fertilizer. It is worth fertilizing the plants regularly, at intervals of 2 weeks. Then you can expect beautiful growth of the kobei.
Photo. Growth of kobei in one summer with proper care
It is better to use all-purpose fertilizers rich in all essential nutrients. Potassium-phosphorus fertilizers or special fertilizers for flowering plants are suitable.
If mineral fertilizers If not, you can feed the kobeya with nettle decoction and add compost.
Even before planting, the substrate can be enriched organic fertilizers:
- rotted manure,
- compost.
Drought should not be allowed to last too long. On hot days, you need to increase the frequency of watering. On hot days, kobeya in pots needs to be watered daily. It is important that the pot has sufficient drainage to allow excess water to drain away.
Why do kobea leaves dry out? Wilting and drying out of kobea leaves is usually caused by too little watering or drafts. During the growing season, plants should be watered generously and there should be no drafts in the area.
Pruning, removing faded inflorescences
Unfortunately, individual flowers vary greatly short term flowering. To make vines look their best, you need to regularly remove faded flowers. This stimulates the growth of new buds. Flowers should be removed every 1-2 days.
Kobea is a vine that requires support and support. The plant clings to the support with the help of antennae.
Reproduction of Kobei
The plant is propagated by seeds and cuttings.
Growing from seeds
Kobei seedlings are obtained from seeds. Kobei seed pods need to be dried, then the dark seeds inside must be collected.
You can buy seeds at garden stores or try to collect them yourself from fruit boxes. It is important to know when to plant kobeya. Since the period from sowing seeds to the appearance of the first flowers is quite long, it is better to sow seeds for seedlings at the turn of February-March in boxes placed in a warm room. For sowing, use universal soil. The substrate can be heated in microwave oven to destroy fungus and mold.
It is convenient to plant kobe seeds in peat pots or tablets. These discs are an excellent replacement for sowing and are very easy to use. Dry discs are moistened with water, they absorb it like a sponge, and then increase their volume. After moistening the disk, we get a ready-made mini sowing pot. Kobe seeds are large, so they are placed in the center of the wet disk, carefully covering upper layer peat or simply pressing it to the substrate.
If kobeya is grown for a balcony, in a container, prepare well-fertilized soil with compost, which is poured onto the drainage layer. Sand or gravel drainage is very important. Kobe likes permeable soil rich in nutrients. The substrate used for growing in containers can be mixed with sand to aerate the soil. The seedlings should then be transplanted into large pots filled with soil and compost. Ultimately, the diameter of the pot should be 20 cm.
Up to 3 seeds are planted in 1 pot. The seeds should be pre-soaked in water overnight. 
Important! Kobea seeds should be planted vertically, with the tip facing up, where the sprout will grow, as shown in the photo below.
When sowing, the seeds are placed only on a moist substrate, lightly pressed into the ground, and sprinkled with water. The pots are placed in a lighted and warm place - in a heated greenhouse or apartment, on a windowsill.
Seeds germinate at a temperature of 18-20 ° C. After 3 weeks, sprouts can be expected to appear.
Picking is not needed. Kobeya can be planted in open ground in the second half of May, when the risk of frost has passed.
Photo report - growing from seeds step by step
Day 36 – the plant reaches for the sun. The seedling is pinched behind the second leaf node. 
Seedlings after pinching.
We protect seedlings plastic bottle, not forgetting to ventilate. 
Propagation by cuttings
Reproduction is also possible by rooting young shoots. Cuttings are cut in August or early spring. The branches are cut below the node and then rooted in specially prepared pots. You can root shoots in water.
During rooting, the temperature should be 25 °C, the cuttings should be covered plastic cover to ensure high humidity. Plants grown from cuttings bloom slightly faster.
Tip: It is worth sticking a stick next to the cuttings so that they climb from the very beginning. This will help the plant strengthen.
Landing in the ground
Seedlings are planted in a permanent location in the second half of May. First you need to harden them - take the bushes in pots for a walk outside on warm days, first for 1 hour, then increase the walking time. Add compost to the planting hole. Some of the earth in the hole and around is mixed with sand.
Planting intervals: 40 × 60 cm.
A good technique is to cut off the top of the shoot of young seedlings, then the plants will grow stronger and grow better. Especially if the arbor is low or the kobeya grows against the wall, it is worth trimming the tips of the shoots. Thanks to this, the plant branches out and creates a lush shrub.
Kobeya blooms 17-18 weeks after sowing.
Wintering
As mentioned earlier, kobeya, which originates from Mexico, is not able to winter independently in the open ground in our climatic conditions. However, this does not mean that wintering is impossible. This is a task for persistent, patient gardeners.
Kobeya can winter in flower pot. Before moving the plant to a cooler room with access to light, all shoots are cut off at a height of about 15 cm from the ground, leaving the main skeleton of the plant intact. Pruning ensures that the kobei will endure winter conditions in good condition and storage will be much easier.
In winter, a period of rest is required in a cool room, at a temperature of at least 5 °C. Kobeya grows less intensively in winter. The plant requires much less watering. In the spring, they gradually begin to increase the dose of water, stimulating the growth of shoots. When the frosty days pass, you can put the pots on the terrace or balcony again.
In early spring, the plant should be transplanted into new soil, watered regularly and fertilized moderately (initially) (every 2-3 weeks in small doses). To stimulate growth, the temperature should be increased to 15 °C. When new shoots appear in the spring, some of them can be used as tip cuttings.
Diseases and pests
Kobeya looks very impressive, and most importantly, it is extremely resistant to various diseases. Diseases occur very rarely; occasionally the plant is attacked by aphids and spider mites. Symptoms of pest infestation include curling of leaves. You need to respond immediately using appropriate medications.
- Mite. Despite low humidity air in the apartment, kobe may appear spider mites. To get rid of pests, the infected plant should be sprayed with acaricide.
- Aphid. Sticky, distorted leaves are a sign of aphid infestation, which tend to attack cobea shoots in the spring and summer. Pest control is carried out using suitable insecticides.
Fortunately, other diseases that affect vines are rare in the case of kobei.
Options for use in landscape design - photo
This plant can be easily found in gardens and on terraces. Kobeya has certain requirements, but should not create any special problems when caring for it. It is convenient to grow kobeya in a pot. Then taking care of the vine will not create problems. In this case, you can move the pot indoors, protecting the plant from winter period.
Kobeya looks beautiful on:
- all kinds of pergolas,
- fences,
- gazebos,
- props on the walls of buildings.
In the case of growing kobei as a houseplant, the vine is provided with support and placed in the chosen location. Several kobes, planted so that their stems wrap around a window, will create a spectacular green curtain, decorated with colorful flowers in the summer. Plants are best placed in a flower box or hanging baskets.
Thanks to kobe, we will bring a little exoticism to our garden. The leafy vine will provide excellent sun protection. The plant can be used as a natural barrier from the prying eyes of passers-by and neighbors. With the help of a vine, you can easily zone a plot, terrace, or balcony, creating a climatic corner intended for relaxation. An interesting source of inspiration could be a combination of several pots in which different varieties of kobeya will be planted.
