Snail Vines

Growing Regions

• The snail vine grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 and higher. In frost-free growing regions, snail vines grow year round and are an evergreen. In areas outside it the hardiness zones, grow snail vines as an annual. The plants die back with the winter frosts and can be replanted in the spring from seed or starts. This vine grows quickly and flowers in the first year, making it well suited for planting as an annual.

Growing Snail Vines

• Snail vines are vigorous climbers reaching heights of 20 to 25 feet with support. Plant snail vines in in full sun or a partly shaded area. Space multiple plants 12 to 24 inches apart at the base of a trellis, wall or other structure for the plants to climb. Snail vines grow well in soil with good drainage and loamy or sandy texture. The plants benefit from an application of balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.

Propagation

• Propagate snail vines from seeds started indoors at 70 and 72 F in a soil less seed starting mix. Start seeds outdoors in a prepared garden bed after the last frosts have passed. Snail vine seeds take 10 to 15 days to germinate and emerge depending on soil temperature. Keep the seeds damp. Propagate snail vines from cuttings. Take cuttings 4 to 6 inches long early in spring after the first foliage starts to grow.

Indoor Culture

• Grow snail vines in containers. Keep them outdoors on a patio or porch during the summer and bring them in for the winter. Plant snail vines in potting soil rather than garden soil. Most garden soil compacts around the roots when used in containers, gradually suffocating the plant. Water when the soil starts to feel dry. Keep snail vines a manageable size with yearly pruning in late winter. Move the plants indoors in winter when temperatures drop below 60 F.