Climbing Plant & Liana Seeds
Clematis, passionflower, kiwi, grape vine, and tropical climbing plants — cold-hardy Zone 3 ornamentals to fruiting tropical lianas, seeds dispatched worldwide.
Vines, Climbers & Fruiting Lianas
Climbing plants are some of the most versatile species in any garden. Given a support — a fence, a wall, a pergola, a tree trunk — they transform bare vertical space into productive or ornamental structure. This collection spans the full range: from cold-hardy ornamental vines that cover walls to 15m, to fruiting climbing plants that produce kiwi fruit, passionflower, and wild grape in temperate and tropical climates alike.
The species here come from a wide geographic range. Wild grape species (Vitis amurensis, V. riparia) originate from riverbank thickets in the Russian Far East and North America, where they survive winters below −40°C. Clematis species from Central Asia and Siberia flower freely in Zone 3 gardens. Actinidia kolomikta — one of the hardiest fruiting vines on earth — produces edible kiwi-type fruit in Zone 3, where most fruit crops fail entirely.
Actinidia polygama (silver vine) contains nepetalactone — the same compound as catnip — making it the only fruiting vine known to attract cats. Its fruits contain 5× more Vitamin C per gram than citrus. Passiflora incarnata survives to −15°C, making it one of the very few passionflowers suited to UK and Zone 6 gardens without winter protection.
Tropical climbing vegetables — Cucamelon (Melothria scabra), Kiwano (Cucumis metuliferus), Momordica, and Trichosanthes — complete the collection. These are fast-growing annuals suited to greenhouses or warm-season outdoor growing, producing edible and highly ornamental fruits in a single season. Gac fruit (Momordica cochinchinensis) contains 70× more lycopene than tomatoes, making it one of the most nutrient-dense climbing crops available from seed.
For full step-by-step growing guidance, see the Agrotechnics for Vines and Climbing Plants page.
Guide to Every Climbing Plant Type
Seven plant families — cold-hardy wall climbers to fruiting tropical vines
Clematis
Clematis tangutica · C. terniflora · C. vitalbaHardy deciduous climbers from 3 to 8m. Golden Clematis (C. tangutica) produces nodding yellow lantern flowers from May to October and tolerates −30°C (Zone 3); it is one of the most floriferous Clematis species available. Sweet Autumn Clematis (C. terniflora) covers structures rapidly with fragrant white flowers in late summer. Old Man's Beard (C. vitalba) is the easiest to germinate — a 4–6 week cold period at 3–5°C is all it needs. Seeds of all three species sow at 15–20°C with germination in 3–6 weeks after stratification.
Ornamental Vines
Parthenocissus · Ampelopsis · Celastrus · SchisandraVirginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) climbs self-supporting to 15m via adhesive pads — no tying required — and turns scarlet in autumn. Parthenocissus inserta uses tendrils instead. Porcelain Berry (Ampelopsis brevipedunculata) produces ornamental berries that ripen from turquoise through lilac to indigo. Celastrus flagellaris (Black-Oil Vine, Zone 4) produces orange seed-husks with striking black seeds used in traditional practice. Schisandra chinensis (five-flavor berry) is the only species in this group that is also a culinary and adaptogenic plant — its red berries are used in Russian and Chinese herbal traditions. Germinate Schisandra after 2–3 months cold stratification at 2–5°C.
Wild & Species Grapes
Vitis amurensis · V. riparia · V. coignetiaeWild Vitis species are grown primarily for ornament or rootstock, though their small fruits are edible and valuable to wildlife. Amur Grape (V. amurensis) is native to Russian Far East river valleys and withstands −40°C — one of the hardiest of all grape species. Riverbank Grape (V. riparia, Zone 2) is a North American native widely used as a cold-climate rootstock. Vitis coignetiae (Japanese Crimson Glory Vine) is grown for its spectacular leaves up to 30cm wide and fiery autumn colour rather than fruit. All three require cold stratification of 2–3 months at 3–5°C before sowing in spring at 15–18°C.
Cultivated Grape Varieties
Vitis — 13 named cultivarsThe cultivated grape selection spans two climate groups. Ural-bred frost-resistant cultivars — Isabella, Lydia, Husayn green, Ural green — were developed for Siberian winters and perform reliably in Zone 3–4. Central Asian table varieties — Rizamat, Black Husayn, Red Globe, Moldova, Black Mercedes — are warm-season fruiting grapes suited to Zone 6 and above or greenhouse growing. Kodryanka and Muscat Amber ripen in 110–120 days from bud-break, among the earliest-ripening cultivars available. Grapes from seed take 3–4 years to first fruit and will not reliably reproduce cultivar traits — seed-grown plants are valued for rootstock or novel selection.
Actinidia & Hardy Kiwi
Actinidia kolomikta · A. polygama · A. chinensisArctic Kiwi (A. kolomikta) is the hardiest Actinidia (Zone 3, to −35°C) and the most ornamental: mature leaves develop distinctive pink and white variegation from mid-summer. Its small grape-sized fruits are fully edible. Silver Vine (A. polygama) produces silvery-variegated leaves and edible yellow fruits with 5× more Vitamin C per gram than citrus; it also contains nepetalactone, making it attractive to cats. Fuzzy Kiwifruit and Zespri Red (A. chinensis) produce standard-sized kiwifruit after 3–5 years from seed in Zone 7+ or protected sites. All Actinidia require both a male and female plant for fruiting. Stratify seeds for 6–8 weeks at 2–4°C before surface-sowing at 18–22°C.
Passionflowers
Passiflora incarnata · P. edulis · P. ligularisMaypop (P. incarnata) is the cold-hardiest passionflower — it survives to −15°C (Zone 6) and re-shoots from the root each spring even after the tops freeze. Its intricate lavender flowers are followed by edible yellow-green fruits. Passion Fruit (P. edulis) fruits in 12–18 months at temperatures above 20°C; it is suitable for greenhouse cultivation or tropical and subtropical climates. Sweet Granadilla (P. ligularis) requires year-round warmth and is grown in tropical highlands at 1,500–2,500m elevation in its native range. Germinate all Passiflora species at 22–27°C after soaking seeds for 24 hours in warm water; germination takes 2–4 weeks.
Tropical Climbing Vegetables
Momordica · Cucamelon · Kiwano · TrichosanthesAnnual tropical climbers for greenhouse or warm-season outdoor growing. Cucamelon (Melothria scabra) germinates in 7–10 days at 25°C and produces grape-sized fruits tasting of cucumber with citrus in 60–70 days. Kiwano (Cucumis metuliferus) fruits in 70–80 days at 22–25°C. Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia) is cultivated across 80+ countries for culinary and medicinal use. Gac Fruit (M. cochinchinensis) produces large spiny red fruits containing 70× more lycopene than tomatoes — one of the most nutrient-dense climbing crops available. Trichosanthes produces hanging fruits to 120cm long on vigorous vines. Grow all as annuals with full sun and support; minimum sowing temperature 22°C.
Lablab & Tropical Ornamental Lianas
Lablab purpureus · Caesalpinia bonducLablab Bean Vine (Lablab purpureus) is a fast-growing annual climber to 4–5m with ornamental purple flowers and edible pods — grown as both an ornamental and a legume crop across Africa, Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. The seeds and pods are edible when cooked; raw seeds contain lectins. Nicker Bean (Caesalpinia bonduc) is a tropical liana with bright yellow flower spikes and unusual grey seeds traditionally used in Southeast Asian folk practice. Both require warm conditions above 20°C to germinate and grow; treat as greenhouse or warm-conservatory plants in temperate regions.
Compare Key Climbing Plant Types
| Species | Hardiness | Max Height | First Flower / Fruit | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clematis tangutica | Zone 3 (−40°C) | 3–6m | Yr 2 from seed (~14–18 mo) | Ornamental flowers |
| Virginia Creeper | Zone 3 (−40°C) | up to 15m | Wall cover (no fruit) | Ornamental wall cover |
| Actinidia kolomikta | Zone 3 (−35°C) | 5–8m | Fruit in 3–4 years | Edible fruit + ornamental |
| Vitis amurensis | Zone 3 (−40°C) | 6–10m | Fruit in 3–4 years | Wild grape, wildlife |
| Passiflora incarnata | Zone 6 (−15°C) | 3–8m | Fruit in 12–18 months | Edible fruit + ornamental |
| Passiflora edulis | Zone 10 (frost-free) | 3–6m | Fruit in 12–18 months | Tropical fruiting vine |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about growing climbing plants and lianas from seed
What types of climbing plants and lianas does Oreshka Seeds stock?
The collection covers seven plant groups: Clematis (Golden Clematis tangutica, Sweet Autumn Clematis terniflora, Old Man's Beard vitalba), ornamental vines (Virginia Creeper, Parthenocissus inserta, Ampelopsis, Celastrus flagellaris), wild and cultivated grape varieties (Vitis amurensis, V. riparia, V. coignetiae, and 13 named cultivars), Actinidia and hardy kiwi (A. kolomikta, A. polygama, A. chinensis), passionflowers (Passiflora edulis, P. incarnata, P. ligularis), the five-flavor berry vine Schisandra chinensis, and tropical climbing vegetables including Momordica, Cucamelon, Kiwano, and Trichosanthes.
Which climbing plant is easiest to grow from seed for a beginner?
Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) and Clematis vitalba (Old Man's Beard) are the most reliable first-time choices. Cold-stratify Virginia creeper seeds for 2–3 months at 2–5°C, then sow at 15–20°C; germination takes 14–21 days. Clematis vitalba germinates readily after a 4–6 week cold period at 3–5°C and establishes quickly. Both are extremely cold-hardy to Zone 3 and vigorous once planted out.
Can I grow liana seeds in Zone 5, the UK, or Northern Europe?
Yes. Actinidia kolomikta (Zone 3), Vitis amurensis (Zone 3), Clematis tangutica (Zone 3–4), Virginia creeper (Zone 3), Schisandra chinensis (Zone 4), and the Ural-bred frost-resistant grape cultivars (Isabella, Lydia) all perform reliably in Zone 5 and colder. Passiflora incarnata (Maypop) survives to −15°C, making it one of the hardiest passionflowers for UK gardens. Most species in this collection have been tested in Russian and Siberian growing conditions.
What is the difference between Actinidia kolomikta and Actinidia polygama?
Actinidia kolomikta is the hardiest species (Zone 3, to −35°C), producing small edible fruits and decorative foliage: leaves emerge green, then develop distinctive pink and white variegation from mid-summer. Actinidia polygama (silver vine) has silvery-variegated leaves and edible yellow fruits containing 5× more Vitamin C per gram than citrus. Silver vine also contains nepetalactone — the compound responsible for attracting cats — a trait unique among fruiting vines. Both species require a male and female plant to produce fruit.
Can climbing plants be grown permanently in pots or containers?
Virginia creeper, Clematis species, and Passiflora incarnata grow well in containers of 40–60 litres permanently, provided they have vertical support and regular feeding. Grape vines need at least 100 litres of container volume for meaningful fruiting. Annual tropical climbers — Cucamelon, Kiwano, Momordica — thrive in 20–30 litre pots for a single growing season. Actinidia can be container-grown for several years but fruit best when root-space is generous.
How long does it take for liana seeds to first flower or fruit?
Clematis tangutica typically flowers in its second year from seed, around 14–18 months after germination. Actinidia species fruit in 3–5 years from seed. Passiflora edulis fruits within 12–18 months in warm conditions above 20°C. Named grape varieties take 3–4 years from seed to first fruit. Annual tropical climbers — Cucamelon, Kiwano, Momordica charantia — flower and fruit within the same growing season, typically 60–90 days after germination at 25°C.
How do I choose between ornamental vines and fruiting climbing plants?
For wall coverage and seasonal colour, choose Parthenocissus (self-clinging to 15m, scarlet autumn colour), Vitis coignetiae (leaves to 30cm, fiery autumn tones), or Clematis (flowers spring through autumn). For edible yield, choose Actinidia (hardy kiwi), named grape cultivars, Passiflora, or tropical climbing vegetables. Several species serve both roles: Schisandra chinensis produces decorative red berry strands with traditional adaptogenic use; Ampelopsis brevipedunculata offers ornamental turquoise-to-indigo berries; and Lablab purpureus provides purple ornamental flowers alongside edible pods.
Explore All Climbing Plant Seeds
Clematis · Actinidia · Passionflower · Grape Vine · Tropical Lianas · Worldwide shipping · Fresh harvest
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