Plant this tall annual where it can drape its eye-catching blooms over a fence or gate.
In recent years, kiss-me-over-the-garden-gate has seen a resurgence in popularity, often being found in heirloom plant catalogs.
Generally, you could plant it once, and it will reseed for years to come.
Credit: Matthew Benson
With its long chains of pink blossoms, kiss-me-over-the-garden-gate adds a romantic touch to any garden.
Often beginning to bloom in midsummer, this annual will continue to bloom until fall.
It’s a favorite cut flower andcan be driedand used in floral arrangements.
Credit: Matthew Benson
you could find varieties in dark pink and occasionally white.
Where to Plant Kiss-Me-Over-the-Garden-Gate
Kiss-me-over-the-garden-gate is a pretty annual that attracts hummingbirds and other pollinators.
Water the seeds only if the soil begins to dry out.
Credit: Mike Jensen
Your plantable pots can be put into the ground after the danger of frost has passed.
If you are planting more than one, place them approximately 18 to 24 inches apart.
Kiss-Me-Over-the-Garden-Gate Care Tips
Even with its impressive height, kiss-me-over-the-garden-gate does not require staking.
Credit: Eric Roth
It also does not require deadheading and will continue to bloom throughout the growing season without slowing down.
Light
Kiss-me-over-the-garden-gate is best grown in full sun.
This will also help to encourage more flowers and the densest foliage.
Soil and Water
Kiss-me-over-the-garden-gate will achieve the most-impressive growth in fertile, well-drained soil.
It can also tolerate poor soil if it is not too wet.
Your kiss-me-over-the-garden-gate plants will need regular watering to keep blooming, especially as the weather warms.
Overwatering can lead to root rot.
Temperature and Humidity
Kiss-me-over-the-garden-gate fares best in temperatures approximately 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit with moderate humidity.
It is not frost tolerant.
Fertilizer
Most experts suggest you dont fertilize kiss-me-over-the-garden-gate plants as they prefer soils with modest fertility.
Fertilization can lead to uninhabitable soil conditions that may cause yellowing, wilting, and under-developed blooms.
Overwatering or overly humid conditions could cause issues with mildew, mold, and rot.
This means providing seeds with several weeks of cold to simulate winter and help break their dormancy.
It features lush foliage and eye-catching tassel-like reddish-pink flowers that bloom from July to October.
This hardy annual prefers full sun and is happy in almost any kind of soil.
It has broad green variegated leaves splotched with cream and prefers rich, well-drained soil in full sun.
Cut it for vases, but be aware that the flowers shatter easily after a few days.
It self-seeds prolifically, so you only have to plant it once.
Because it develops surprisingly large thorns, it’s best to keep spider flower away from walkways.
Plant established seedlings in spring after all danger of frost has passed.
Plant moonflower outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and give it moderate moisture and fertilizer.
Like kiss-me-over-the-garden-gate, moonflower reseeds freely to the point of being invasive in some conditions.
Castor Bean
Plant acastor beanand then stand back.
Just wait to plant it outdoors until after all danger of frost has passed.
Castor bean hates cool weather and won’t grow well until temperatures heat up in summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes!
Kiss-me-over-the-garden-gate flowers can add gorgeous mass and height to floral bouquets.
They alsodry beautifullyfor crafts and year-round arrangements.
To extend the life of your blooms, snip the flowers when they are only half to 3/4 open.
North Carolina State University Extension.
North Carolina State University Extension.
