Yes, I'll say it. Candy corn is growing in my garden. And no, I'm not crazy. I've just discovered a new-to- me plant known as Manettia inflata, or Candy Corn Vine.
And I'm super excited to grow it this summer. So what can I tell you about the candy corn vine? Sit yourself down on the porch or patio and read on to find out.
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For the last few years my flower garden has consisted mainly of zinnias, dahlias and marigolds, save a few other types of flowers that were lucky enough to be planted on a whim. But the stars of the show have definitely been zinnias and dahlias.
This year I'm not sure what got into me but I broke the mold and purchased two candy corn vine plants (mannetia inflata). I guess I was somewhat tickled at the prospect of growing a plant that produces "candy corn." I was also interested in the fact that the particular genus I was buying produces a vine that's great for climbing. Not all candy corn plants produce vines.
They're originally from Mexico and flourish in the heat and full sun. That's my kind of plant!
Don't the flowers resemble candy corn?
Since candy corn vines can grow as tall as 8-15 feet, I knew they'd have to be transplanted into bigger pots with taller trellises. (They can also be planted in the ground where they tend to be bushy. They're actually considered a semi-woody shrub.)
That's why candy corn vine number one was transplanted into this much larger pot after I set up four bamboo U-hoops in it. I pushed all four hoops way down into the pot, criss-crossing them into a semi-cage-like structure.
Then I wrapped up the very tops of the bamboo u-hoops together with twine to make the whole structure more secure.
As the vines continue to grow I will wrap them around the bamboo u-hoops.
The second candy corn vine was transplanted into a new pot which is not as large as the first transplant pot, but should still work. I used three four-foot bamboo stakes to create a teepee, or tripod, for the vines to climb upon.
Like with the bamboo u-shaped hoops, I wrapped twine around the top of the teepee where the bamboo stakes meet -- to give the structure more security.
Here are the four foot bamboo stakes for reference. I bought them in a pack of twelve. I use them as added propping devices in both the vegetable garden and dahlia garden since those plants get larger and larger throughout the summer and always need additional support.
I'll be sure to trim both plants back as necessary to create the best look for their containers and trellises.
Candy corn plants are easy for beginners, as they require little care beyond proper placement in a warm, sunny garden (part sun to part shade is okay). They do best in ordinary, well-drained soil and their tubular flowers filled with nectar attract butterflies and hummingbirds! I love having butterflies and hummingbirds around -- I think they're good for the soul.
I can't wait to see how tall these candy corn vines are going to grow this summer! I'll be sure to give an update when they're in their glory.
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