Climbing plants and vines from seed
Annual climbers such as morning glory, sweet pea and nasturtium are the quickest way to cover a fence, arbor, pergola or trellis. Vegetables such as pole beans, peas and cucumbers climb too.
Germinating
Large hard seeds (morning glory, some sweet peas) take up water more easily if nicked with a file or soaked overnight. Sow in individual pots to avoid root disturbance, or direct once the soil is warm. See each plant page for temperature and depth.
Supports
Give twining climbers strings, mesh or canes at planting. Tendril climbers such as peas and sweet peas need thin supports they can grasp. Put supports in before the plants need them.
Watering, feeding and pruning
Water regularly and feed lightly; too much nitrogen gives leaves, not flowers. Pinch tips to branch, deadhead for continued bloom, and cut back perennial climbers after flowering or in early spring.
Harvesting and saving seed
Pick pods and flowers regularly to extend cropping. Leave the best pods to dry on the plant, then shell and store seed cool and dry.
Plants in this guide
| Plant | Germination temp | Depth | Days | Light | Before sowing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning glory Ipomoea purpurea | see page | about ½ in (12 mm) | varies | Cover | Treat seed |
| Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus | 55 to 65°F | ¼ to ½ in (6 to 12 mm) | 14 to 21 | Cover | Nothing needed |
| Nasturtium Tropaeolum majus | 60 to 70°F | ½ to 1 in (12 to 25 mm) | 7 to 14 | Cover | Nothing needed |
| Bean (bush, pole, green, runner) Phaseolus vulgaris | 75 to 85°F | 1 to 1½ in (25 to 38 mm) | 6 to 14 | Cover | Nothing needed |
| Pea (garden, snow and sugar snap) Pisum sativum | 65 to 75°F | 1 in (25 mm) | 6 to 15 | Cover | Nothing needed |
| Cucumber Cucumis sativus | 65 to 95°F | 1 in (25 mm) | 3 to 10 | Cover | Nothing needed |