Akebia quinata

Germination

Sow under glass as soon as possible. Prior to sowing soak seed in water for 24 hours. Surface sow onto moist well-drained seed compost. Ideal temp. 18°C. Germination takes 1-3 months but can be erratic. If planted in autumn winter should offer the period of cold needed for germination. Spring plantings may require cold stratification. If germination does not occur in 6-8 weeks, move to +4°C for 6-8 weeks then return to warmth. Transplant seedlings once large enough to handle to 8cm pots and grow on. Keep under glass for the first winter. Acclimatise and plant out the following spring once danger of frost has passed.

Growing

Thrives in any good garden soil. This climbing plant will require a frame on which to climb. Does not require regular pruning unless growing too large. This plant is rhizatomous, if you wish to restrict the spread of the rhizomes you could create a root barrier by simply planting inside a buck or large plastic pot which you then sink into the ground.

Cultivation

Prune after flowering in late winter or spring. After pruning mulch and feed.