Growing Jiaogulan

Soak the seeds in lukewarm water for 24 hours to begin the germination process. Dry the seeds with a paper towel to keep them from sticking together.

Make sure the soil is as fertile as possible, as this plant will not thrive in nutrient-drained soil. Jiaogulan prefers soil that is loamy, containing sand, silt and clay, but can respond well in heavy clay or heavy sand. Start the seeds in a greenhouse or with a grow lamp, if you're planting the seeds indoors.

Make sure the planting location receives at least six hours of bright sunlight each day, if you're starting the plants outdoors. Plant two or three seeds in a plot with a thick layer of compost in the spring. Make sure the last frost of the season has already passed before you plant. If necessary, protect the tender shoots with a cover until the weather warms up.

Sink a trellis or pole into the ground to give the growing plant something to grab. Jiaogulan has tendrils that reach out and attach to whatever they can.

Plant at least two specimens at the same time, as jiaogulan does not have both male and female flowers on the same plant. Both sexes are required to produce new seeds at the end of the growing season. The plants will leaf out in May and flower in July and August. Seeds will develop after the flowers fade.