Most vinca varieties bloom red, pink, white, or purple. With little care, vinca blooms from late spring to frost. Although hardy in zones 9–11, they grow as annuals everywhere else.
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Vinca are heat- and sun-resistant and great pollinators. Wonderful for attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. In addition, they are deer and rabbit-resistant!
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Vinca seeds can be difficult to germinate. They also mature slowly (10–12 weeks vs. 6–8 weeks for most flowering annuals) before transplanting.
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Therefore, buying ready-to-plant transplants at local nurseries or greenhouses is usually better. They are usually blooming and easy to establish.
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Start with a sunny spot. Remember that vinca love light and heat, so plant them where they will get 6–8 hours of sunlight. Midday sun is the brightest and hottest, so plant them there.
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Vinca needs well-draining soil most. If planting in flowerbeds, add compost or worm castings to the hole. These will add nutrients and loosen the soil to drain water.
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Traditional potting soil is best for potted plants. It has enough nutrients for growth, is lightweight, and drains well, preventing vinca from becoming too big.
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Plant transplants in flowerbeds or pots so their soil surfaces match the surrounding soil. Too much moisture can cause stems to rot if buried too deep.
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How much space you need will depend on the type, so always read carefully to make sure you have enough space. Different types of vinca can grow up to three feet wide, while others stay quite small.
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Vinca, a flowering annual, requires little care during the growing season, which is one of its best qualities. If certain conditions are met, the tough-as-nails plant will flower.
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