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Chocolate vine or false gherkin (Akebia quinata) - in a pot

The chocolate vine (d) , also known as chocolate vine or false gherkin, is a graceful and fast-growing climber with a unique exotic character. In spring, clusters of deep purple to chocolate-brown flowers appear, each with a warm vanilla and chocolate scent. This distinctive fragrance attracts numerous insects and makes the plant a real eye-catcher in the garden or pergola.  

After flowering, conspicuous, purple-gray fruits can develop in warm summers, which burst when ripe. The inner flesh is sweet and jelly-like and can be eaten fresh. The flavor is reminiscent of subtle coconut or melon aromas . The rind is traditionally edible after cooking (e.g., stir-frying), but in Europe it is primarily valued for ornamental purposes.  

Akebia Quinata is a vigorous climber that can reach 8–10 meters tall and easily attaches itself to pergolas, fences, and facades. The decorative, five-lobed leaves remain green in mild winters. The plant is robust, undemanding, and grows in both sun and shade, although it produces the most abundant blooms in the sun.  

The chocolate wingbears fruit when two genetically different plants are planted together.  

Key Features

  • Harvest period: September-October
  • Taste: slightly sweet (similar to lychee or passion fruit)
  • Location: sun to partial shade
  • Height: 8-10 m (climber)
  • Planting distance: 1-2 m
  • Self-pollinating: no
  • Height on delivery: 30-40 cm (without pot)

Tips and care:

  • Planting: Because the plants are delivered in pots, they can be planted year-round. It's best to plant in the fall, when the soil is still warm and moist, allowing them to take root well. Plants planted in the fall have a more developed root system than those planted in the spring.
  • Open ground or pots: you can also grow all plants in pots; the larger the pot, the better they will do. They will always grow better and produce more fruit in the open ground.
  • Support: k climbing plant so it needs something to climb on.
Type en soort
Potted plant

Dispatch

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Delivery time pre-order
Your order will be shipped from the indicated availability date. This also applies if you combine a pre-order with products already in stock. If you want to receive the in-stock products sooner, select "Multiple deliveries" as the shipping method.

Sjef van Dongen - Fruitzforlife

In 2020, Sjef and Wilma van Dongen transformed Sjef's uncle's pig farm into an agroforestry nursery . What began as experiments in their garden, Fruithof De Brand , has grown into a unique 6-hectare project where nursery and food forest come together.

Their focus is on the best, disease-resistant, and flavorful varieties —from mulberries, pawpaws, and leaf curl-free peaches to walnuts, chestnuts, and grapes. This creates a collection of plants that are not only beautiful and productive but also contribute to increased biodiversity.

Sjef combines a pragmatic approach with years of experience in the agricultural industry. This allows him to inspire and provide practical guidance to individuals, communities, and farmers alike in planting trees and shrubs. Using innovative techniques like Air-Pot® container cultivation, he also ensures strong planting material ready to grow into healthy, robust trees.

Their mission? To make people healthier and happier by connecting them with an environment full of edible trees and shrubs – a tangible step towards a greener future.

Cultivation method

At FruitzforLife, they operate their 6-hectare nursery with a clear conviction: pesticides are unnecessary . They grow strong, resilient plants that are in harmony with their environment.

They grow a large portion of their plants themselves. They also collaborate with families and cutting companies in the Netherlands, France, Poland, and Germany who propagate their plants. This creates a network of growers who share the same vision.

Their nursery model allows farmers and families to plant fruit and nut trees for their own use, while simultaneously growing additional trees for sale. This way, they contribute to a greener future and generate additional income in the first few years after planting.

FruitzforLife operates in an environmentally conscious way : from wood fiber as a growing medium (instead of coir), recycled and reusable pots, and solar-powered electric vehicles to machines that run on biodiesel. Their application for Skal certification is also in progress.

Their nursery is located on two former intensive livestock farms. Where chickens, pigs, and cows once stood, trees and shrubs now flourish. Together with the former farmers and a dedicated team, they are building a chain of families committed to sustainability. This is how FruitzforLife is gradually changing the future – with an eye for people, nature, and future generations.

Chocolate vine or false gherkin

Regular price €21,95