Vines for the florida panhandle
If you haven’t already read the two prior posts, one on Trees for the Florida Panhandle and Bushes for the Florida Panhandle, then check them out right after you read this post. These Vining plants will help transform your space, increase productivity, and provide a yearly supply of some of your favorite foods. Always remember to include a variety of plants, from annuals to perennials. The perennials can give structure to your growing space, and the annuals not only provide some yearly variance but can also provide a seasonal variance to your landscape, so it never gets dull.
Where needed I will add an * to signify those that are natives to Florida. Also, if you know of a plant that grows super easily in the area and isn't on the list, let me know, and I’ll get it added.
Vines
Maypop* (Passiflora Incarnata) – The only native passion fruit in the US and it’s a local. With very exotic flowers, what's not to love? Great for food but also as a landscaping plant going over a trellis or down a fence. Best to put on a trellis as they love to climb.
Muscadine* (Vitis Rotundifolia) – What not to love about some local grapes. Best to trellis them up, also makes harvesting easier.
Yams (Dioscorea) – These aren’t the falsely labeled yams that are really sweet potatoes. There are several types of yams to choose from. Discorea Alata might be the most cultivated true yam. All yams need a sturdy trellis as they produce a lot of vines. Some may be considered invasive in your area, so double-check if you don’t want to break any laws.
Air yams (Dioscorea Bulbifera) – These are ones that produce small, round bulblets on the vines, and they are edible. They will regrow from the underground tubers, and each bulblet will produce a new plant. This one is in many areas, so choose wisely. They quickly grow vines up to 70 ft long, so they will need a strong trellis. To harvest the Air yams, put a tarp or blanket on the ground under the plant. Give the plant a sturdy shake, and before you know it, you will have tons of starchy food source that can be used similarly to small potatoes.
Seminole Pumpkin (Cucurbita Moschata) – A pumpkin that grows well in the panhandle that tastes great as well. Best if left to sprawl on the ground.
Loofah gourd (Luffa Aegyptiaca) – I know not what comes to mind for food. But when they are young, they are tasty with a flavor similar to zucchini. And if you are not a fan of zucchini, then let them ripen all the way and dry on the vine, and you have all the loofah you’ll need.
Winged Bean (Psophocarpus Tetragonolobus) – Not a traditional green bean, like the name states, they are winged. If you live in zones 10-12, they are a perennial, but farther north, you’ll have to replant every year unless you get creative in protecting the tuberous roots. Fun fact, the whole plant is edible, so even if you aren’t going to try and overwinter them, then don’t let the roots go to waste.
Mexican Sour Gherkin (Melothria Scabra) – So these are one of my favorite cucumbers, they are about the size of a grape and are great for a snack when you're in the garden. The flavor is a cucumber mix with a lemon or a lime. If you live far enough south, they can be grown as a perennial.
Kiwi (Actinidia Deliciosa) – These guys need a strong trellis that will last for years, so keep that in mind before you just put them in the ground.
Hardy Kiwi (Actinidia Arguta) – Very similar to the fuzzy ones mentioned above, but these are a little smaller and have smooth skin and can tolerate down to zone 4, but zone 8 is pushing its limit.
American Groundnut* (Apios Americana) – The tubers can be used in place of potatoes. It also produces an edible bean on the vines. Vines can spread up to 24 ft, so a good study trellis would be very helpful. Don’t eat all the tubers as the plant is a perennial. Also, don’t let the name groundnut be confusing. This little guy prefers to climb, so get a good trellis for this to grow, and it will provide plenty of food for years to come.
These are a great place to start when researching vines to add to your garden. Pick your top three and figure out where you could add them to your garden. Remember to keep the placement in mind so they grow without casting a shadow on your raised bed.
Come back again next week, when I will be talking about plants. These will be the last group of edible plants that don’t fit in either the tree, bush, or vine categories. Like the other types of plants. Adding diversity to your garden will benefit your garden space and increase the good bugs, such as bees and butterflies, as well as the fruit you will get to harvest as they mature.
If you haven’t started your garden yet or are looking to increase what you have, we can help. A personal consultation, either in person or online, will get you on the right track. Forget the learning curve, start in the right direction. If you are not in Florida, we can still get you going in the right direction with the right plants for your climate.
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