Clock Vine(Thunbergia battiscombei) from seed growing slowly

Blue Boy, Blue Glory, Clock Vine (Thunbergia battiscombei)

I started this plant from seed last year and it is growing very slowly. Any advice? it is only 7'' high and lanky. Does it need very hot weather? I live in zone 9 but the summers are relatively cool.
From: wonderearth

I have had mine growing in a pot for about 3 years until I moved to Florida - I planted it in the ground last Sept. in full sun - it didn't do well - didn't grow at all, but did come back this spring. It looked really ratty so I dug it up last week and planted it under a large shrub - it is doing much better and is putting on new growth - I'd say to try moving it into shade and see if that helps.

Mine are grown from cuttings, and I've had them for 8 years, maybe more. They are planted in full sun on the south side of my home. I have noticed that if I allow them to go dormant (not covered with a blanket during freezing nights), they get leggy. Last winter, I let them go dormant and they came back with sturdier stems.

I adore this plant. It blooms continuosly from early spring until the first frost and they multiply quite well.

Ann

This message was edited Jul 8, 2009 12:47 PM

Wow interesting! I think mine is just a little too cold and maybe not watered quite enough. I'm going to try some different things. They might be going semi dormant all the time and they died back to the tuber last winter.