Snail Vine Blooms on a white background.
Close-up Snail Vine coiled purple and white flowers on light background.
Close-up macro of purple and white Snail Vine blooms.
Close-up Snail Vine coiled purple, yellow and white flowers on light background.
Snail Vine Seeds
Snail Vine flowers blooming in the garden with foliage.
Snail Vine Seeds
Snail Vine Blooms on a white background.
Close-up Snail Vine coiled purple and white flowers on light background.
Close-up macro of purple and white Snail Vine blooms.
Close-up Snail Vine coiled purple, yellow and white flowers on light background.
Snail Vine Seeds
Snail Vine flowers blooming in the garden with foliage.
Snail Vine Seeds

Snail Vine Seeds

4.418 ReviewsSKU: #FL629Min. seed count: 5
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Description

(Cochliasanthus caracalla). This vining member of the bean family is one of the most intriguing plants we’ve ever grown! The uniquely shaped flowers actually resemble small snails! The fragrance of these distinct blooms is thought to be reminiscent of hyacinths, and Thomas Jefferson called this plant “the most beautiful bean in the world.” Perennial in its native region of Central and South America, snail vine is typically grown as an annual in areas that experience frost. We enjoyed an abundance of fragrant flowers all summer long, and are so excited to offer this incredible and wonderful vining plant! Rare and hard to find.

Growing Tips: Snail Vine thrives in warm, humid conditions and prefers well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. A trellis or support structure is essential, as this vigorous climber can grow rapidly. It benefits from regular watering and monthly feeding with a balanced fertilizer. Prune to encourage bushier growth and remove dead stems. Regularly deadhead spent blooms to encourage continued flowering.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Cochliasanthus caracalla
Life Cycle
Perennial in zones 9 and higher
Growth Habit
Vining
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
10–20
Days to Maturity
90–120
Planting Depth
¼ in.
Plant Spacing
12–18 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–85°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your region’s last frost date, and transplant outdoors after the last frost. In frost-free zones, it can be grown year-round. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours prior to planting to enhance germination. We recommend using a fingernail clipper to clip the back of the seeds away from the hilum, the “eye-like” part of the seed. Be careful not to cut too close to the hilum, where the seed embryo is located. Sow ¼ inch deep in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. For indoor starts, use a heat mat to maintain optimal germination temperatures between 70–80°F. Once seedlings develop two sets of true leaves, transplant carefully into larger containers or directly into the garden.

How to Grow

Choose a sunny location with protection from strong winds. Snail Vine prefers consistent moisture but avoid overwatering. Mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Use a sturdy trellis or fence, as vines can grow aggressively. Fertilize monthly during the growing season and prune regularly to manage shape and size.

How to Save Seeds

  • Allow seed pods to dry completely on the vine
  • Harvest pods when they turn brown and begin to split
  • Remove seeds and let them dry for 7–10 days in a shaded, well-ventilated area
  • Store seeds in a cool, dry place in a labeled paper envelope or airtight container

FAQ

Do Snail Vine seeds need scarification or soaking?

Yes, soaking the seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting helps soften their hard seed coat and improves germination rates. C. caracalla tends to have a high dormancy. We recommend using a fingernail clipper to clip the back of the seeds away from the hilum, the “eye-like” part of the seed. Be careful not to cut too close to the hilum, where the seed embryo is located.

Can Snail Vine be grown in containers?

Absolutely. Choose a large, deep container with excellent drainage. Provide a trellis or support and ensure the plant receives ample sun and consistent watering.

Will Snail Vine survive the winter?

Snail Vine is not frost-hardy. In colder climates, treat it as an annual or overwinter indoors in a container with bright light and reduced watering.

See the snail vine seeds in our catalogue.

Customer reviews

4.4 / 5 18 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Fragrant, unusual blooms: Snail-shaped buds open into big, intensely fragrant flowers.

  • Nick and soak seeds: Nick the seed coat and soak overnight; sprouting can be uneven.

  • Vigorous once established: Takes off in sun and heat, covering a fence or trellis fast.

  • Loves heat: Thrives in southern heat and comes back yearly in warm zones.

  • Heads up: Slow to bloom; start indoors early and give it full sun.

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