Planting Moonflower with Vegetables - Ask Extension
Is it safe to plant moonflowers with vegetable plants, especially lettuce and beets? Are toxins from the moonflower released into the soil that will b...
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Planting Moonflower with Vegetables #879528
Asked July 31, 2024, 8:14 AM EDT
Is it safe to plant moonflowers with vegetable plants, especially lettuce and beets? Are toxins from the moonflower released into the soil that will be absorbed by the vegetables? I’ve attached a picture of my moonflower bush. I want to plant a row of vegetables in front of the moonflower bush.
Eaton County Michigan
Expert Response
Yolanda, thanks for the question.
Lettuce may absorb alkaloids produced by Ipomoea alba, but the extent and impact of this absorption are not well-studied. The absorption of alkaloids by other plants can depend on various factors, such as soil composition, plant species, and environmental conditions. Although Ipomoea alba produces alkaloids, these compounds are usually more concentrated within the plant itself rather than being easily absorbed by neighboring plants. If you’re concerned about potential interactions, you might consider planting lettuce a bit further away from the moonflowers to minimize any possible effects.
I hope this helps.
