The Chocolate Vine (Akebia quinata) is an ornamental and fruit-bearing vine prized for its fragrant, chocolate-scented flowers and unique, edible pods filled with sweet, translucent pulp. A favorite among gardeners seeking beauty and function, it offers lush foliage, rapid growth, and seasonal appeal.
Native to East Asia, this deciduous to semi-evergreen climber produces elegant purple-brown blossoms in spring, followed by sausage-shaped fruits that ripen to pale lavender. The fruit is mildly sweet, while the vine’s dense foliage provides excellent coverage for fences, pergolas, and trellises.
This bulk seed pack is perfect for large-scale gardeners, landscape designers, or growers looking to add aesthetic and edible diversity to their outdoor spaces.
Features
- 🌸 Fragrant Flowers: Purple-brown blooms with a pleasant chocolate-like scent.
- 🍈 Edible Fruit: Produces sausage-shaped, sweet-tasting pods.
- 🌿 Vigorous Climber: Rapid-growing vine ideal for vertical landscaping.
- 🌞 Hardy & Adaptable: Tolerates various soils and climates.
- 🌎 Non-GMO Bulk Seeds: Perfect for large-scale planting or propagation.
Specifications
- Common Name: Chocolate Vine
- Scientific Name: Akebia quinata
- Plant Type: Deciduous or semi-evergreen climbing vine
- USDA Zones: 4 – 9
- Growth Height: 20 – 40 ft (6 – 12 m)
- Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Type: Moist, well-drained, loamy soil
- Soil pH: 6.0 – 7.5
- Bloom Season: Spring
- Fruit Season: Late summer to fall
- GMO Status: 100% Non-GMO
- Foliage: Five-leaf clusters, glossy green leaves
- Fragrance: Light chocolate or vanilla aroma
Planting Guide
- Sowing Time: Early spring or fall.
- Seed Preparation: Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours before sowing.
- Sowing Depth: ¼ inch (0.6 cm).
- Germination Temperature: 65–75°F (18–24°C).
- Germination Time: 30–90 days (can vary).
- Transplanting: Move seedlings outdoors after last frost.
- Spacing: 6–10 ft apart for vigorous growth.
- Support: Provide trellis, arbor, or fence for climbing.
Care Tips
- Prefers well-drained soil with regular watering.
- Prune annually to control growth and encourage flowering.
- Best in full sun for abundant blooms and fruit set.
- Mulch around base to maintain soil moisture.