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20 Climbing Vegetables and Fruits that Grow Vertically

20 Climbing Vegetables and Fruits that Grow Vertically

When it comes to climbing vegetables and fruit for your garden, it’s always a great idea to know which ones are best for your location. Today, we’re exploring the various plants you can cultivate plus we tackle the benefits of having a vertical garden!

1. Bitter Melon

Bitter Melon
Image by Plantura Magazin
FactorInformation
Ease of GrowingModerate ●●○○○
USDA Zone10-12
SizeHeight: 6-12 feet, Width: 3-6 feet
LightFull sun
SoilWell-draining, rich soil
TemperatureWarm temperatures, 70-80°F (21-27°C)
WateringRegular, keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
Harvest SeasonSummer to early fall
Suggested VarietiesChinese, Indian, Karela
Suggested UsesCulinary use in stir-fries, soups, and medicinal purposes

Pruning is beneficial to control the size and shape of the Bitter Melon plant. Trellising can be employed to support the vines as they tend to sprawl. 

Regularly check for pests and diseases, addressing them promptly to prevent widespread damage. Use a balanced, organic fertilizer during the growing season to provide essential nutrients and follow according to package instructions.

2. Chayote

Chayote
Image by Harvest to Table
Ease of GrowingEasy ●○○○○
USDA Zone8-11
SizeVine can reach 30 feet or more
LightFull sun to partial shade
SoilWell-draining, fertile soil
TemperatureWarm temperatures, 70-90°F (21-32°C)
WateringRegular, keep soil consistently moist
Harvest SeasonLate summer to fall
Suggested VarietiesGreen and smooth-skinned varieties
Suggested UsesCulinary use in salads, stir-fries, and casseroles

Chayote is a relatively low-maintenance plant. Provide a sturdy support structure for the vines, as they can become quite extensive especially when fertilized regularly during the growing seasons. 

Regularly prune to control the growth and promote bushier, more manageable plants. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, particularly caterpillars and aphids, and take appropriate measures if needed.

3. Climbing Nasturtium

Climbing Nasturtium
Image by Little Yellow Wheelbarrow
Ease of GrowingEasy ●○○○○
USDA Zone3-10
SizeVaries; can reach up to 8 feet
LightFull sun to partial shade
SoilWell-draining, average soil
TemperatureThrives in moderate to warm temperatures
WateringModerate, avoid waterlogged soil
Harvest SeasonLate spring to early fall
Suggested VarietiesMoonlight,’ ‘Spitfire,’ ‘Jewel of Africa’
Suggested UsesOrnamental, edible flowers in salads

Climbing Nasturtium is a low-maintenance plant but will need support such as trellises for the vines to climb. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming and prune to control the spread. 

Watch for pests like aphids and caterpillars, and treat them with natural remedies if necessary. If the soil is particularly poor, a light application of a balanced, general-purpose fertilizer during the growing season can be beneficial.

4. Cucumbers

Cucumbers
Image by Country Living Magazine
Ease of GrowingModerate ●●○○○
USDA Zone4-12
SizeVaries; bush or vining types
LightFull sun
SoilWell-draining, fertile soil
TemperatureWarm temperatures, 70-95°F (21-35°C)
WateringRegular, keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
Harvest SeasonSummer
Suggested VarietiesStraight Eight,’ ‘Marketmore,’ ‘Lemon’
Suggested UsesCulinary use in salads, pickles, and sandwiches

Cucumbers require regular attention to ensure healthy growth. Aside from support for vining varieties with trellises or stakes, mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds and prune excess foliage to improve air circulation. 

Fertilize cucumbers with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer at planting and again when the vines start to develop. Proper spacing, good air circulation, and preventive fungicide applications can help mitigate pests and powdery mildew.

5. Grapes

Grapes
Image by Buckinghamshire Landscape Gardeners
Ease of GrowingModerate to Difficult ●●●●○
USDA Zone2-10 (varies by grape variety)
SizeVaries; can range from 6 feet to over 20 feet
LightFull sun
SoilWell-draining, slightly acidic to neutral
TemperatureThrives in warm climates; needs winter chill for dormancy
WateringRegular, deep watering during dry spells
Harvest SeasonLate summer to early fall
Suggested Varieties‘Concord,’ ‘Chardonnay,’ ‘Thompson Seedless’
Suggested UsesFresh eating, winemaking, raisins, jams

Growing grapes requires careful attention as they need training and maintaining the shape of the vine. Regularly check for pests like grape leafhoppers and diseases such as powdery mildew. 

Proper air circulation and sunlight exposure to the grape clusters are crucial for preventing fungal issues like mildew and mold. Grapes generally do well in nutrient-rich soil, so apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring as new growth begins. 

6. Hops

Hops
Image by This Is My Garden
Ease of GrowingModerate ●●○○○
USDA Zone3-8 (varies by hop variety)
SizeVaries; can reach up to 20 feet or more
LightFull sun
SoilWell-draining, fertile soil
TemperatureThrives in cool to warm climates, prefers cooler nights
WateringRegular, consistent moisture
Harvest SeasonLate summer to early fall
Suggested VarietiesCascade,’ ‘Centennial,’ ‘Saaz’
Suggested UsesBrewing beer, ornamental

Growing hops requires attention to support structures such as trellises for the climbing vines. Regular pruning helps manage the size and promote airflow as adequate spacing between plants is critical for disease prevention. 

Keep an eye out for pests like aphids and spider mites, as well as diseases such as powdery mildew. Hops benefit from a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in spring as new growth emerges. 

7. Kiwi

Kiwi
Image by The Spruce
Ease of GrowingModerate to Difficult ●●●●○
USDA Zone7-9 (varies by kiwi variety)
SizeVaries; can reach up to 20 feet or more
LightFull sun
SoilWell-draining, slightly acidic to neutral
TemperatureWarm summers, cold winters for chilling
WateringRegular, consistent moisture
Harvest SeasonLate fall to early winter
Suggested VarietiesHayward,’ ‘Issai,’ ‘Arctic Beauty’
Suggested UsesFresh eating, desserts, jams, and juices

Growing kiwi requires careful attention, especially in regions with cold winters. Pruning is essential for shaping the vine and managing its size – spacing and proper support play a critical role here.

Regularly check for pests like scale insects and diseases such as bacterial canker, root rot, and scale insects. Kiwi plants benefit from a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in spring as new growth begins. 

8. Loofah

Loof
Image by Better Homes & Gardens
Ease of GrowingEasy ●○○○○
USDA Zone10-12
SizeVines can reach 20 feet or more
LightFull sun
SoilWell-draining, rich soil
TemperatureWarm temperatures, 70-90°F (21-32°C)
WateringRegular, keep soil consistently moist
Harvest SeasonLate summer to fall
Suggested VarietiesSmooth Luffa,’ ‘Chinese Okra’
Suggested UsesCulinary use, natural bath sponge

Growing loofah is generally easy, requiring regular monitoring and support for the climbing vines. Provide a sturdy trellis or support structure for the vines to climb and don’t forget to prune excess foliage to promote better airflow. 

Regularly check for pests like aphids and caterpillars, and address them immediately. Loofah plants benefit from a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer applied during the growing season – just avoid overt-fertilizing. 

9. Malabar Spinach

Malabar Spinach
Image by Housing
Ease of GrowingEasy ●○○○○
USDA Zone9-11
SizeVines can reach 10 feet or more
LightFull sun to partial shade
SoilWell-draining, fertile soil
TemperatureThrives in warm temperatures, 75-85°F (24-29°C)
WateringRegular, keep soil consistently moist
Harvest SeasonSummer to fall
Suggested VarietiesRed Stem,’ ‘Green Stem’
Suggested UsesCulinary use in salads, stir-fries, and soups

Malabar Spinach is an easy-to-grow plant that requires minimal maintenance such as support for the climbing vines, as they can reach considerable heights. Regularly prune to control the size and promote bushier growth. 

Keep an eye out for pests like aphids and caterpillars, addressing them promptly. Malabar Spinach benefits from a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer applied during the growing season. 

10. Melons

Melons
Image by Food Gardening Network – Mequoda
Ease of GrowingModerate ●●○○○
USDA Zone4-11
SizeVaries; compact bush types to sprawling vines
LightFull sun
SoilWell-draining, fertile soil
TemperatureWarm temperatures, 70-90°F (21-32°C)
WateringRegular, consistent moisture
Harvest SeasonSummer to early fall
Suggested VarietiesCantaloupe,’ ‘Watermelon,’ ‘Honeydew’
Suggested UsesFresh eating, fruit salads, smoothies

Growing melons requires attention to plant spacing, as they tend to sprawl so provide support for vining varieties, and mulch around the base to retain moisture. Regularly check for pests like aphids and cucumber beetles and address them quickly. 

Prune excess foliage to improve air circulation. Melons benefit from a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer applied during the growing season, and avoid excessive nitrogen to prevent overly strong foliage growth. 

11. Passion Fruit

Passion Fruit
Image by Bunnings
Ease of GrowingModerate ●●○○○
USDA Zone9-11
SizeVines can reach 15-20 feet
LightFull sun
SoilWell-draining, slightly acidic to neutral
TemperatureWarm temperatures, 70-80°F (21-27°C)
WateringRegular, consistent moisture
Harvest SeasonLate summer to early fall
Suggested VarietiesPurple Possum,’ ‘Frederick,’ ‘Yellow Giant’
Suggested UsesFresh eating, juices, desserts

Growing passion fruit requires attention to support structures for the climbing vines while regular pruning helps manage the size and promotes better fruit production. Keep an eye out for pests like aphids and caterpillars and treat them right away. 

Passion fruit plants benefit from a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer applied during the growing season. Proper spacing and pruning for airflow help prevent fungal diseases. 

12. Peas

Peas
Image by The Spruce
Ease of GrowingEasy ●○○○○
USDA Zone2-11 (varies by pea variety)
SizeVaries; bush or vining types
LightFull sun to partial shade
SoilWell-draining, fertile soil
TemperatureCool to mild temperatures, 50-75°F (10-24°C)
WateringRegular, keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
Harvest SeasonSpring to early summer for snap peas; late summer for shelling peas
Suggested VarietiesSugar Snap,’ ‘Green Arrow,’ ‘Alderman’
Suggested UsesCulinary use in salads, stir-fries, and side dishes

Growing peas is easy and requires minimal maintenance – just provide support for vining varieties with trellises or stakes. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds and it would do good to check for pests such as aphids and pea moths. 

Prune excess foliage for better air circulation. Apply a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer during planting, and side-dress with additional fertilizer when the plants start flowering. 

13. Pole Beans

Pole Beans
Image by The Spruce
Ease of GrowingEasy to Moderate ●●○○○
USDA Zone3-11 (varies by bean variety)
SizeVines can reach 6-10 feet or more
LightFull sun
SoilWell-draining, fertile soil
TemperatureWarm temperatures, 70-85°F (21-29°C)
WateringRegular, keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
Harvest SeasonSummer to fall
Suggested VarietiesKentucky Wonder,’ ‘Blue Lake,’ ‘Scarlet Runner’
Suggested UsesCulinary use in salads, casseroles, and stir-fries

Growing pole beans requires support structures such as trellises or poles. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds while pruning excess foliage encourages better air circulation and easier harvesting.

Pole beans benefit from a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer applied during planting and side-dress with additional fertilizer when the plants start flowering. Regularly check for pests like aphids and bean beetles, addressing them promptly. 

14. Pumpkins

Pumpkins
Image by Gardener’s Path
Ease of GrowingEasy ●○○○○
USDA Zone3-9 (varies by pumpkin variety)
SizeVaries; compact bush types to sprawling vines
LightFull sun
SoilWell-draining, fertile soil
TemperatureWarm temperatures, 75-85°F (24-29°C)
WateringRegular, deep watering
Harvest SeasonLate summer to fall
Suggested VarietiesJack O’Lantern,’ ‘Sugar Pie,’ ‘Cinderella’
Suggested UsesCulinary use in pies, soups, and Halloween decorations

Growing pumpkins is easy as they require attention to spacing and support for vining varieties. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds and prune excess foliage for better air circulation.

Pumpkins benefit from a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer applied during planting and side-dress with additional fertilizer when the vines start developing. Common issues include pests like aphids, squash bugs, and diseases such as powdery mildew. 

15. Strawberries

Strawberries
Image by Amazon.ca
Ease of GrowingEasy ●○○○○
USDA Zone3-10 (varies by strawberry variety)
SizeLow-growing plants, spread by runners
LightFull sun to partial shade
SoilWell-draining, slightly acidic to neutral
TemperatureCool to mild temperatures, 60-80°F (15-27°C)
WateringRegular, keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
Harvest SeasonSpring to early summer, and intermittently throughout the growing season
Suggested VarietiesJune-bearing,’ ‘Everbearing,’ ‘Day-neutral’
Suggested UsesFresh eating, desserts, jams, and ground cover

Growing strawberries is easy, requiring regular attention to spacing and care. Simply mulch around the plants to suppress weeds and retain moisture as well as prune runners to control the spread and encourage fruit production. 

Strawberries benefit from a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in spring as new growth emerges. Common issues with strawberries include pests like aphids, slugs, and diseases such as gray mold.

16. Summer Squash

Summer Squash
Image by AllThatGrows
Ease of GrowingEasy ●○○○○
USDA Zone3-10 (varies by squash variety)
SizeCompact bush types to sprawling vines
LightFull sun
SoilWell-draining, fertile soil
TemperatureWarm temperatures, 70-95°F (21-35°C)
WateringRegular, consistent moisture
Harvest SeasonSummer to early fall
Suggested VarietiesZucchini,’ ‘Yellow Crookneck,’ ‘Straightneck’
Suggested UsesCulinary use in salads, stir-fries, and casseroles

Growing summer squash is easy and requires minimal maintenance as long as you provide support for vining varieties as needed. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds and prune excess foliage for better air circulation

Summer squash benefits from a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer applied during planting. Common issues with summer squash include pests like aphids, squash bugs, and diseases such as powdery mildew. 

17. Tomatoes

Tomatoes
Image by The Spruce
Ease of GrowingModerate ●●○○○
USDA Zone3-11 (varies by tomato variety)
SizeVaries; determinate and indeterminate varieties
LightFull sun
SoilWell-draining, fertile soil
TemperatureWarm temperatures, 70-85°F (21-29°C) for optimum growth
WateringRegular, consistent moisture
Harvest SeasonSummer to early fall
Suggested VarietiesRoma,’ ‘Beefsteak,’ ‘Cherry,’ ‘Heirloom’
Suggested UsesCulinary use in salads, sauces, and sandwiches

Growing tomatoes requires attention to support structures for indeterminate varieties. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds while trimming excess foliage promotes better air circulation and easier harvesting.

Tomatoes benefit from a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer applied during planting. Common issues with tomatoes include pests like aphids, tomato hornworms, and diseases such as early blight. 

18. Winter Squash

Winter Squash
Image by EatingWell
Ease of GrowingModerate ●●○○○
USDA Zone3-10 (varies by squash variety)
SizeCompact bush types to sprawling vines
LightFull sun
SoilWell-draining, fertile soil
TemperatureWarm temperatures, 70-95°F (21-35°C)
WateringRegular, consistent moisture
Harvest SeasonLate summer to fall
Suggested VarietiesButternut,’ ‘Acorn,’ ‘Spaghetti,’ ‘Hubbard’
Suggested UsesCulinary use in soups, stews, and roasted dishes

Growing winter squash isn’t quite difficult, merely requiring attention to spacing and support for vining varieties. Prune excess foliage for better air circulation and mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. 

Winter squash benefits from a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer applied during planting. Common issues with winter squash include pests like squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and diseases such as powdery mildew. 

19. Rocoto Pepper

Rocoto Pepper
Image by Dave’s Seed
Ease of GrowingModerate ●●○○○
USDA Zone9-11 (grown as a perennial in warmer climates)
SizeCompact bushy plant
LightFull sun
SoilWell-draining, fertile soil
TemperatureWarm to hot temperatures, 70-90°F (21-32°C)
WateringRegular, consistent moisture
Harvest SeasonLate summer to fall
Suggested VarietiesManzano,’ ‘Peron,’ ‘Hualqui’
Suggested UsesCulinary use in spicy dishes, sauces, and salsas

Growing Rocoto Peppers means providing support for the bushy plants to prevent branches from breaking under the weight of peppers. Prune for shape and to improve air circulation as well as harvest.

Rocoto Peppers benefit from a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer applied during the growing season. Common issues with Rocoto Peppers include pests like aphids and spider mites but regular inspections and insecticidal soap can help manage these. 

20. Yardlong Beans

Yardlong Beans
Image by Minneopa Orchards
Ease of GrowingEasy to Moderate ●●○○○
USDA Zone4-11 (best in warm climates)
SizeVines can reach 9-12 feet or more
LightFull sun
SoilWell-draining, fertile soil
TemperatureWarm temperatures, 70-95°F (21-35°C)
WateringRegular, consistent moisture
Harvest SeasonSummer to fall
Suggested VarietiesRed Noodle,’ ‘Chinese Red,’ ‘Asparagus Bean’
Suggested UsesCulinary use in stir-fries, salads, and Asian dishes

Growing Yardlong Beans is relatively easy, requiring support for the climbing vines such as trellises or poles for the vines to climb. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Yardlong Beans benefit from a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer applied during planting but avoid excessive nitrogen, as this can lead to more foliage and lower bean count. Common issues with Yardlong Beans include pests like aphids and bean beetles.

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