How to Grow a Climbing Shell Plant
Climbing shell plant (Vigna Caracalla), also is known as the snail vine, corkscrew vine or Caracalla bean. It is a vigorous climber that can reach 25 feet tall and 3 feet wide. The climbing shell plant has bright green leaves that grow 3 to 5 inches long. Its fragrant flowers are shaped like curled shells. Flowering begins in mid-summer and lasts until the early fall. The climbing shell plant is a native of South Africa and was a favorite of Thomas Jefferson. In zones 8 and below, the climbing shell plant will have to be grown in the house. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Locate a planting site for the climbing shell plant that receives six or more hours of sun per day. Plant in a place that has a wall, fence or trellis for the climbing shell plant, or allow the plant to cover the ground.
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Dig a hole that is twice the size of the container of the plant, making the hole about 1 inch deeper than the plant's container. Add equal amounts of compost to the soil and mix thoroughly.
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Loosen the soil 1 or 2 inches at the bottom of the hole to help the roots to develop and grow better.
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Remove the climbing shell plant from the container and place it in the hole. Backfill the soil/compost mixture into the hole, filling in around the plant. Keep the crown of the plant just below the soil level. The crown is where the roots meet the stem.
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Firm the soil around the plant to remove any air pockets. Don't tamp the soil down so hard that it is compacted.
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Water the climbing shell plant thoroughly. Keep the soil moist until the plant becomes established. Allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering again.
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Apply a 3- to 4-inch layer of mulch around the plant to keep weeds down and hold the moisture in the soil.
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Tips & Warnings
Fertilize with a slow-release fertilizer once a year. The best time is late winter.
Prune the climbing shell plant anytime during the year.
The climbing shell plant is relatively pest free. If aphids are found, spray the plant with an insecticidal soap. Mix 1 to 2 tbsp. liquid soap to 1 quart water. Combine ingredients in a bucket, mix, then transfer to a spray bottle as needed.
