How to grow cobea

COBEA

La coba It is a semi-rustic climbing plant whose most widespread species is Cobea scandens, very vigorous, characterized by bell-shaped flowers, initially greenish, then purple to dark pink (more rarely white), with a saucer-shaped calyx at the base. The leaves are compound, with three pairs of leaflets. It produces tendrils, similar to those of peas, with which it attaches to the supports.

HOW TO GROW

Cobea grows very quickly and stretches out, covering trellises, pergolas, gazebos, and other supports in just a few weeks. Ideally, it should be grown in the company ofivy, of the rincospermum and of the jasmine.

EXPOSURE AND CLIMATE

It prefers a temperate climate. It tolerates heat but not excessive cold. Place it in partial shade or full sun in areas where it reaches the coolest hours of the day. 

SOIL AND CULTIVATION CARE

It prefers loose, well-drained, and not overly fertile soil. Fertilize with complex fertilizers, never with those rich in nitrogen, which would only favor foliage growth.

IRRIGATION

Regular in the summer season and decidedly less so in the winter months. 

SOWING AND FLOWERING

Cobea propagates by seed or, more rarely, by cuttings. It blooms in summer with beautiful cascades of "bells" and continues to produce flowers until autumn.

POT CULTIVATION

Growing cobea in pots must take into account its rapid growth. Therefore, initially, the pots must have a diameter of at least 30 centimeters, ready to be changed as the climbing plant grows. The pot should be filled with potting soil for flowering plants, preceded by a 5-centimeter layer of clay expanded at the bottom of the container. The repotting It should definitely be done every three years. 

PROBLEMS AND REMEDIES

It can be attacked by aphids and red spider mites, for which products based on aphids also work well. rapeseed oil. 

OTHER FLOWERS YOU MIGHT LIKE: 

• How to grow roses at home
• Calendula: the flower that protects the garden
• How to grow and care for irises