Grow moonflowers for a sweet nighttime treat

The moon's gravity causes the tides to rise and fall, and the moon is thought to influence humans as well. Both Aristotle and Pliny the Elder believed that a full moon affected the water in a human’s brain, bringing on insanity. Our word “lunatic” comes from this idea of the moon causing madness. And even though the moon shines brightly, it doesn’t produce its own light, only reflecting light from the sun.

In the garden is a brilliant white flower that also reflects light, so much that it seems to glow. The moonflower (Ipomoea alba) is a romantic bloom that flowers at night. The huge blossoms, which can be 6-inches long and 3- to 6-inches wide, bloom freely on this member of the morning glory family. They are accented by dark-green, heart-shaped leaves on vigorous, slightly prickly stems. The trumpet-shaped flowers start blooming in midsummer and continue until killed by fall frosts.

The blossoms unfurl from cone-shaped buds once the sun sets, as well as on cloudy or overcast days. They remain open all night, emitting a sweet aroma into the air.

It is best to plant moonflowers directly in the garden in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. You will want a strong trellis or fence for this fast-growing vine that can easily reach around 10 to 20 feet long. Nick the tough outer seed coat and then soak the seeds overnight in warm water to help germination. The seeds will germinate in 4-7 days. Plant them a foot apart in full sun. Grow moonflowers under a window, or near a patio or porch to enjoy the evening fragrance. Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Remove the dead plants after they are killed by heavy frost in the fall to avoid diseases next year.

Moonflowers, like all morning glories, have seeds that are mildly toxic to humans and pets, so keep seeds and seed pods away from small children, cats, dogs or horses.

Native Americans mixed the sulfur from moonflowers with rubber tree latex to make a rubber-like substance that was shaped into a ball, and used for games and play. This is the same vulcanization process that Charles Goodyear invented 3,000 years later!

You can easily save seeds for next year. After the flowers fade, they form seed capsules containing large, black seeds. Let the seeds dry completely in a warm area out of direct sunlight for about a week, then store the dried seeds in a cool, dark, dry place.

Plant moonflowers for a sweet aroma all night long. Your night-blooming garden will bring nocturnal pollinators to your yard and gardens. You will have flowers right up until frost. Invite friends to see your fragrant garden in the middle of the night, and tell them you really aren’t a lunatic.