Question
Hi, Mike,
  I "googled" my subject and found lots of pros and cons about trumpet vine.  I was given a seed pod while visiting outside Annapolis, MD last month and I'd like to use the seed(s) to start a trumpet vine to attract hummingbirds.  Because it appears to be such an invasive plant, I'm wondering if I could get by with just having it in a large pot with a trellis?  I'm in Coastal Georgia and know the vine does well here, but I don't know if I should dry and freeze the seeds or what approach to take.  I appreciate your insight.  Thank you.

Answer
Marilou, you can and should plant this vine in a pot. Some gardeners even dig a hole in the garden and place the pot in the hole. This gives them the benefit of still having the plant in a garden bed at ground level while containing the plant to prevent it from spreading throughout the rest of the bed. I would recommend using a pot no smaller than 12" in diameter. Also be sure it has a drainage hole on the bottom.

Be advised, however, that if these seeds came from a hybrid variety, the offspring may not have the same characteristics as the parent plant. Hybrids rarely breed true to the parent from seed. That is why most gardeners use cutting to propagate hybrids.

In regard to storing the seeds, allow the pod to dry thoroughly, and then carefully remove the seeds. Place them in a ziplock bag and seal. You then should place the ziplock bag is a sealable plastic container, and store the container in the back of the refrigerator for a minimum of three months. This process will simulate the dormant period all seeds need to properly germinate. You can then sow the seeds next spring.

I hope this answered your questions. Please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike