How to Plant Bittersweet Vines From Seeds

The bittersweet vine that is planted for its clusters of colorful fruit in the fall is the American bittersweet vine. The berry clusters can be used in crafts and flower arrangements in the fall. Bittersweet vines are fast-growing, attaining a height and width of 20 feet. Choose a sunny area with plenty of room to set up the supports for the vine to climb. Watch children and pets closely around bittersweet vines. All parts of the vine are poisonous if ingested.

Things You'll Need

• Paring knife
• Tray
• Peat moss or sand
• Plastic sandwich bags
• Trowel

Instructions

Prepare the Seeds

1. Pick the fruits off the bittersweet vine between the middle of September and November when the yellow capsules split open and reveal orange-red berries.

2. Cut the berries open and remove the seeds. Wash the bittersweet seeds in cold water to remove excess fruit pulp.

3. Spread the bittersweet seeds in a single layer on a tray. Set the tray in a spot where it won't be disturbed for two to three weeks to dry the seeds.

4. Fill the plastic bags about halfway full with peat moss or sand. Dampen the peat moss or sand until just moist. Put 12 seeds in each bag and mix the seeds into the moss/sand.

5. Close the bags and store in the refrigerator for three months.

Plant the Seeds

1. Mix 1 part peat moss to 2 parts soil in the planting area.

2. Remove the bittersweet seeds from your storage bags. Push the seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch into the soil, approximately 8 to 12 inches away from the support for the bittersweet vine. Space the seeds 4 to 6 feet apart.

3. Water soil until moist.

Tips & Warnings

• Use cypress, redwood, cedar, synthetic or treated lumber for bittersweet vine supports.

• If you use metal supports, choose copper or aluminum to avoid rusting of the vine supports.

• Do not plant bittersweet vines too close to trees. The vine's tendrils could wrap around the tree and injure or kill it.

• Watch children and pets closely around bittersweet vines. All parts of the vine are poisonous if ingested.

References

• Iowa State University Extension: Ask the ISU Extension Experts
• University of Minnesota Extension: American Bittersweet
• Purdue University Cooperative Extension: Annual and Perennial Vines
• Dave's Garden: American Bittersweet
• University of Illinois Extension: American Bittersweet

Resources

• The United States National Arboretum: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map
• Missouri Botanical Garden: Celastrus scandens
• University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension: Bittersweet