I am having the SAME exact problem and cannot figure out why. They're growing like mad and flowering, but the bottom 1/3 leaves are yellow and falling off. Disappointing. I was hoping they'd stay bushy.

I'll be watching this thread for some clues.

Tracy

Another one here with the same problem. My Grandpa Otts seem to be thriving, growing up my porch railings like crazy and blooming very well, but the lowest leaves keep turning yellow and falling off. Someone must know what's causing this, it's happening to a lot of us! I do not fertilize, I water as soon as my soil is dry, the roots are shaded and the vines are getting sun, so what can it be?

Linda

There's a fascinating discussion going on in Balcony gardening that addresses the yellowing of the younger leaves on MGs- posts 5 - 8 talk about that, but there's a lot of info on MGs and Moonflowers in there too.

Here is a link that might be useful: Why lower leaves yellow

Thanks for that link. And interesting read. It says in one part that older leaves yellowing could just be the natural aging of the plant. All of my yellow leaves are the oldest ones, so perhaps that is it? Let's hope.

Tracy

Spy RI - would fish emulsion be an example of low nitrogen? Was born in Providence. Ann

A Rhody Hi to Ann! I think bone meal is a low nitrogen fertilizer, at 1-13-0 NPK. I think fish emulsion is 5-2-1, but I don't know for sure. Or maybe a 5-10-10 granular fertilizer formula? I think as long as the first number (the N) is the lowest, 10 or lower, it should help, but I am no expert!

Hey - Rhody! Used fish emulsion [5-1-1] today and will see how that goes . My bone meal is 6-12-0. Thanks. Ann

The ratios on fertilizers always confuse me- in the more natural stuff, like fish emulsion and bone meal, is it the same in every packet, or do different brands have different ratios? Well, anyway, my first mgs bloomed this morning, but I have the yellowing leaves now too! So I'll buy some fish emulsion today!
Lexi

I have severasl plants in boxes in front of my house that have covered my gate and I am blessed with about 20-25 flowers a day but none of them are making any seeds for next year. Can anyone help me? Thanks

Josh, I just posted the same question. How to collect the seeds, I ealize it has been almost a month since you posted but here's what I learned, after the flower fades there will be a green (small) ball where the pedals were connected. That is where the seeds are. leave them there until they turn brown, you will have seeds. hope you get to this respnse in time.

Don't worry Josh - the seeds take a while. Leave them and they will practically fall off in your hand. I collect seeds every year and plant them the next year. I've had great luck and I do NOT have a green thumb :>)
If you still need seeds later in the fall, let me know. I get plenty!