Family: Aristolochiaceae
Scientific name: Aristolochia baetica
Common name: Andalusian Dutchman's Pipe
Origin: Portugal

This beautiful, hardy pipe vine originates from Portugal and produces brown-purple to red flowers which are 5 cm wide. The plant blooms from May till June and is cold-hardy up to -20 degrees Celsius. The plant grows up to two or three meters high, a bit shorter than the 5 meter high plants you can spot around the Mediterranean Sea. Because it’s a climber, it can also be properly guided along a wall or fence. The designation pipe flower refers to the 19^th century Dutch pipes, which is why the plant is also often called the ‘Dutchman’s pipe’. All parts of the plant are poisonous.
 
Sowing description: First soak the seeds in lukewarm water for 48 hours. The seeds can be sown in sowing mix, and should be covered with a very thin layer of soil. Move it to a bright spot at a temperature of 20 to 28 degrees Celsius. Constantly keep the soil moist (cover with plastic foil or glass).

Sowing time: December - August
Difficulty: Intermediate
Minimum temperature: -15 graden Celsius