Question 1

What types of climbing plants and lianas does Oreshka Seeds stock?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Which climbing plant is easiest to grow from seed for a beginner?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Can I grow liana seeds in Zone 5, the UK, or Northern Europe?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

What is the difference between Actinidia kolomikta and Actinidia polygama?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

Can climbing plants be grown permanently in pots or containers?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

How long does it take for liana seeds to first flower or fruit?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

How do I choose between ornamental vines and fruiting climbing plants?

Accepted Answer

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.

Seeds of Grape Lydia (Vitis labrusca × Vitis vinifera) — 15 pcs