Vining plants are a popular choice for enhancing outdoor spaces. While buying seedlings can be tempting due to their affordability and convenience, there are instances when it may not be the best option. Certain vine plants do not thrive well when purchased as seedlings, leading to disappointing results. To help you make smarter choices, here is a list of vine plants that are not worth buying as seedlings:
Black-eyed Susan vine
The black-eyed Susan vine is best grown from seeds, especially in colder climates. Starting the seeds indoors can help compensate for the shorter growing season in these regions. Make sure to check with your local extension before planting to ensure these vines do not become invasive.
Cardinal climber
Similar to the black-eyed Susan vine, the cardinal climber is an annual vine that is best grown from seeds. Nicking the hard outer coat of the seeds can help speed up germination. Wait until all danger of frost has passed before direct sowing the seeds for best results.
Climbing beans
Climbing beans, such as pole beans, should be directly seeded into the garden as they have fragile root systems that do not tolerate transplantation well. These beans grow quickly from seeds and require warm soil and sunlight for optimal growth.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers should ideally be directly sown into the garden soil rather than transplanted from seedlings. Transplanting can damage their taproots and affect yields. Make sure the soil is warm before planting and protect the seedlings from pests with row covers.
Hyacinth bean
Hyacinth beans do not respond well to transplantation, so it is best to sow the seeds directly into warm soil. Saturating the seeds with warm water can improve germination rates. If planting indoors, use compostable pots for easy transplanting.
Melons
Melons should be grown from seeds rather than seedlings to avoid damaging their deep roots. Starting the seeds indoors in biodegradable pots can help if you have a short growing season. Transplant the entire container to minimize root disturbance.
Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums should be grown from seeds as their roots do not tolerate transplantation well. Sow the seeds directly into warm soil after the last frost for best results. Water soaking the seeds overnight can help speed up germination.
Ornamental gourds
Ornamental gourds should be grown from seeds to avoid damaging their fibrous roots. Sow the seeds directly into fertile soil for quick germination. If you are short on time, start the seeds in peat containers for easy transplanting.
Pole peas
Pole peas should be grown from seeds rather than seedlings to avoid damaging their long taproots. Make sure to provide trellis support for the peas to climb. Peas have root nodules that can be damaged during transplantation, affecting their nutrient uptake.
Pumpkins
Pumpkins should be directly sown into mounded soil to support their extensive root system. Transplanting seedlings can damage the roots and stunt growth. Starting the seeds in peat pellets can help give them a head start before planting them directly into the soil.
Squash
Squash should be directly seeded into warm soil to avoid becoming root-bound in nursery pots. Their deep taproots and lateral feeder roots require ample space to grow. Avoid starting squash indoors and transplanting them to prevent root disturbance.
Watermelons
Watermelons should be grown from seeds rather than seedlings to prevent stressed roots and poor yields. Transplanted roots may not develop properly, leading to premature root drying. Starting seeds in small pots and transplanting them at the right stage of growth can help ensure a successful harvest.
