I finally got some of these seeds to sprout, and the biggest one is already about 2" across. I was just wondering in anybody else has grown these, and could tell me, when they might bloom, how much water and sun do they need, or any other special advice. I've tried them in the past, and they've always died shortly after sprouting. Thanks!

I grew up with these beautiful and so fragrant flowers. My mother always grew them where they only got a few hours of direct sunlight and would be in full shade by late afternoon so they would open early while there was still enough light to enjoy them. They do well along a foundation where the soil is moist and cool. Keep an eye out for the Goliath Moth, a huge beautiful moth, about as big as a bat with a nectar tube about 8 inches long. Grow the moon flower and they will show up after dark to feed.
Good Luck!! Â*

Is that what those big freakish moths are called?!! I had one scare the *guano* out of me one time when it hit my glass door. I thought it was a bat at first (funny how you referenced their size to one and that's what I thought it was). It was stunned, yet stuck for a moment ... long enough for me to scream, look at it and scream some more.

Sounds like I've got them in the right place, in a huge pot on my front porch where they only get sun for part of the day. As for those moths...uh...I love moths and butterflies, but those long nectar tube thingies sound horrific. I think I'll be screaming along with JuniperDusk. Can't wait to see the look on my cats faces when they see them through the door glass, though.
Thanks for the information!

This probably sounds weird, but these huge moths, are they native to a particular part of the country? Â*I have never seen one of those and if my daughter were to come across one, she may never set foot outside again.

I live in Ohio and never heard of such a thing and we have all sorts of neat bugs [lol]

Just curious[confused]

I live in Western Ky. I have seen the Goliath Moth( also called polyphemus moth) many, many times here, but never anywhere further North. They are entirely harmless, only drink nectar. They are a bit unnerving the first time you see one due to their size. Another flower which really attracts them is the night blooming primrose. These large yellow flowers open after dark so fast if you aren't watching you will miss it. Here is a picture of the moth on a persons hand to get the idea of their size. Show this picture to your daughter so she won't be afraid when they show up
Â*

My daughter has grown moonflowers for a couple of years now. They are beautiful.

Wow!! Now that is a big bug!! Â*She will probably think it is a big pretty butterfly (she is six)

[rolleyes]


Thanks[smile]

I beleive you got your answer, that moon flowers like eastern walls for protection and not too much light. To keep them moist enough you may need to amend the soil. I live in red clay teritory and need to add spagnium peat, black cow and sand one bag of each will do a 2X4 foot area watered well and muched well to stay moist makes the best garden soil on the planet. Spend dollars on the soil and pennies on the plants and all will enjoy and marvel at your garden endevors![wink][wink][wink]

i too am growing moonflowers this year. last year it was only morning glorys i might have put them outside to early cause i only have one plant that has survived. anyway last year i had a luna moth and i was shocked seeing it. i had no idea what it was so i googled big green moth to find out. it looks just like the other moth but all green really very beautiful.

i took it a sign from the goddess.