Tropaeolum brachyceras

Cultivation Details

Tropaeolum brachyceras is not hardy outside the milder regions of the temperate zone, tolerating short periods with temperatures falling to about -5°c, and is usually best grown in a cold greenhouse or conservatory^[1]. Alternatively, the tubers can be lifted in the autumn after the plant has been cut back by frost, stored in a cool but frost-free place over the winter and planted out in April^[1]. This species comes from a dry Mediterranean-type climate and commences growth in early autumn, growing through the winter then flowering in early summer before having a short dormancy in late summer^[2]. Consequently, it is only going to succeed outdoors in the very mildest parts of the country and is generally best grown in a greenhouse^{[2, PFAF]}. Prefers a sunny position in a well-drained humus-rich neutral or slightly acidic loam^[1]. The plant comes from an area with intermittent and unreliable rainfall. It is therefore adapted to remaining dormant for a number of years if the growing conditions are unsuitable and this habit sometimes manifests itself in cultivation, especially if the plants have been potted up recently^[2]. A climbing plant, it supports itself by twisting its leaf stalks around other plants etc^[3]. The caterpillars of the cabbage white butterfly can be a nuisance and often cause considerable damage to the leaves^[3].