It is a perennial in ZA. As long as it is not out in frost or freezing temperatures then it will keep growing. Take it inside soon or in a frost free greenhouse.

Is this the black eyed susan you are talking about Cinderella. I thought it was an annual. If it is you need to plant new seeds every year. I'm sorry Kildermorie I dk what ZA is.

ZA=Zuid Afrika/South Africa - Thunbergia/Black eyed susan vine comes from there. It is only an annual in UK if grown outside and frost kills it. In a heated conservatory/windowsill it will be perennial.

It does grow readily from seed - so much so it is a bit of a beast in frost free climates. In the UK you need to sow them after first frost outside.

Thanks K. Not got my thinking cap on this am. Do you mean you sow the seeds indoors as early as possible and transplant outside after the last frost or will they grow if you sow directly in the garden after the last frost around the end of May. I have tried these a few times and not been successful.

I would grow them on the windowsill from March, hardening them off when a 5-10 cm tall and has lost seedling leaves. Through some seeds outside where you want them now, but they will not germinate till spring and any frost will kill the seedlings - possibly why you have not had much success in the past?

Thank you both. It is in a pot outdoors at the moment and still flowering but you have answered all my questions between you, thanks. Think I might bring it in the house.

I think you will find even indoors it does off. Very easy to grow from seed though.

Thanks MG. I'm not too bothered really, as I know they are easy to grow from seed, but thought it might be interesting to see if it could be done.

That should have read 'die' off!