Where Should I Plant My Mirliton to Get the Ideal Amount of Sunlight?
The answer: Just about anywhere.
Mirlitons can be initially planted in partial shade or full sun. If planted in a well-shaded area, they will naturally send out shoots to the greatest amount of light. They are “sunseekers” in the sense that they will always grow from shade to full light. You can plant them in partial shade, and as long as the trellis guides them toward more sun, they will follow that.
They can also be planted in full sun. But under the new weather conditions of heat domes and intense heatwaves, we have found that it is absolutely necessary to use a 40% shade cloth, especially when the temperature is excessively high — 95℉ for several successive days. That is why we advise growers to always build a structure along with the trellis where they can quickly and easily mount a shade cloth.
Many growers use shade cloths throughout the growing season. While I don’t think it’s necessary to use them when the temperatures are in the low 90s, it may not hurt. But there are two downsides to using a shade cloth too early in the season. (1) It reduces the amount of light necessary for photosynthesis, which provides the vine with energy and drives new growth–particularly for a young vine. And (2) shade cloths reduce the amount of ultraviolet light, which is a natural fungicide and helps combat fungal diseases.
Bottom Line: You can start your mirliton in almost any available lighting. Just plan to protect it from too much light. Build a structure along with the trellis so they can quickly and easily mount a shade cloth, which can also double as a rain guard during excessive rainfall.
Angela Joan’s shade cloth draped over the vine, supported by poles.