Boston ivy veitchii seeds

(Question)

Hi There.
I’m thinking of trying to grow Boston ivy veitchii from seeds this winter to plant in the spring. Any advice? Do you know of a source from where I can by the seeds?
Thanks so much

 

(Answer)

Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) is certainly a wonderful vine for quick coverage of brick walls and fences; the deciduous foliage emerges a purplish green in the spring and becomes a brilliant red in the fall; otherwise, the glossy, green leaves provide an attractive cover for walls and fences.

You can grow ivy from seed at home, with some preparation.

Keep the ivy seeds in the refridgerator for 30 to 60 days. This process, called stratification, prepares the seeds for germination.

Pour the seeds in a bowl of room-temperature water and soak them overnight. This speeds up the germination process.

Fill a seed tray with high-quality potting soil to within 1/4 inch of the top in each section.

Place an ivy seed in the middle of each section in the seed tray. Gently push it slightly into the soil with the tip of your finger. Do not cover the seed with soil.

Water the seeds, but do not saturate the soil. Keep the soil moist until the seedlings appear.

Transplant seedlings once the threat of frost has passed.

You can also start seeds in a cold frame outdoors in the fall.

Although not on the Ontario Invasive Plant list, https://www.ontarioinvasiveplants.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/GMI-Booklet_FINAL-FOR-WEB_May132016.pdf, because it is a non-native plant that tends to rapidly escape its boundaries, Boston ivy is considered an invasive plant in some states. Be careful not to plant it near natural areas; it may escape its boundaries and threaten native plants.

You can read more at Gardening Know How: Boston Ivy Seed Propagation: How To Grow Boston Ivy From Seed.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/boston-ivy/boston-ivy-seed-propagation.htm

Here are another two links which provide some general information on Boston Ivy.

https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c267

https://sandovalmastergardeners.org/plant-of-the-month-boston-ivy/

In regard to the purchase of seeds, Toronto Master Gardeners do recommend services or products. You may try a local nursery or contact Landscape Ontario. Here is the link.

https://landscapeontario.com

Good luck in making your decision.