Snail Vine

(Cochliasanthus caracalla) This vining member of the bean family is one of the most intriguing plants that 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.

Germination and growing tips. 

The hard seed coat can make germination a bit spotty, nick and soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours. Ideal germination in 68-77F. Seeds germinate in 7-21 days. Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before last frost. Sow seeds twice as deep as the seed is big. Set transplants out after frost. Plant in full sun/filtered shade. Snail vine thrives in late spring or cool-summer conditions. Deadhead regularly. Vines can reach over 10 feet long in a single summer, so be sure to grow up a trellis, arbor, arch or fence.