Wisteria sinensis, Chinese Wisteria, Glicinia, fresh seeds 2024

Sweetly fragrant, Wisteria sinensis (Chinese Wisteria) is a large deciduous climber with twining stems that is prized by gardeners for its vigorous habit, beauty and sweet fragrance. Masses of drooping clusters, up to 1 ft. long (30 cm), of scented, pea-like, mauve flowers appear in late spring before the leaves. Since they bloom more or less simultaneously, they always produce a dramatic floral display. The flowers are followed by attractive, velvety, bean-like pods, 6 in. long (15 cm), which ripen in fall and may persist into winter. Equally attractive is the foliage of dark green, pinnate leaves which consist of 7 to 13 leaflets to about 3 in (7 cm) in length.
Chinese Wisteria can be invasive in warm climate areas and may displace native vegetation or kill trees and shrubs by girdling them.
A large, long-lived climber, Chinese Wisteria can grow vigorously up to 40 ft. (12 m). It climbs by twining anticlockwise.
Thrives in full sun or part shade. Prefers a good loamy soil in a sunny south or south-west facing position, sheltered from cold winds and from early morning sun on frosty mornings. Plants can become chlorotic on alkaline soil. A soil that is too rich results in excessive foliage at the expense of flowering. Hardy to about -15°C. Plants can take a few years to settle down after planting out. Some form of root restriction can be beneficial. Sparrows and other birds frequently eat the young buds of this plant and this is the commonest cause of poor flowering on established plants. Plants sometimes have a second season of flowering in August. A climbing plant supporting itself by twining around other plants, the shoots twine in an anticlockwise direction. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby. The plants also form a symbiotic relationship with a mycorrhizal fungus which makes more water, phosphorus and other minerals available to the plants. All or parts of this plant are poisonous. Attracts butterflies. Drought tolerant. Best flower production is obtained in full sun.
Can be grown through a large tree or more formally against a house wall, arbours, pergolas, trellises, fences or trained as a free-standing half standard in a container. It must be sited and trained on sturdy structures which will be able to support the heavy weight of the mature Wisteria. Grow this plant around patios where the flowers can be enjoyed.
Susceptible to foliage-chewing insects and fungal diseases, but none are significant.
Needs regular pruning in order to control size and shape of the plant and to promote flowering.
Propagate by layering, softwood cuttings, hardwood cuttings or grafting. Choose growing sites wisely because plants dislike being transplanted.
All parts may cause severe discomfort if ingested.
Wisteria sinensis species is native to temperate Asia, China.

Germination method
Sowing time: Autumn/all year round
Sowing mix: compost + perlite, ready made compost for seeds and cuttings
Location: bright + keep constant slightly moist, not wet
Pre-Treatment. Soak the seeds in water overnight
Germination time: 5-14 days

The seed does not exhibit any dormancy habits. It can be sown as soon as it is ripe. Soak the seeds in water. Place the seeds on wet towel and enclose in sealed container or zip-lock bag. The germination will start in about 5 days. Prepare 8 cm (3 inch) seedling pot with well-draining, sterile soil. Disinfect used pots by soaking them in 1 part bleach and 9 parts water for 30 minutes, and then allow them to air dry so the bleach residue evaporates. Sow one or two wisteria seeds per pot. Keep the pot in a 20°C (65 °F) spot and water it when the soil surface begins to dry.
Wet towel stage is not must, you can skip it and sow the seeds directly in the pots. I personally prefer to do it having more control over the process and not wasting soil and my time on seeds which will not germinate.
Full, all-day sun helps wisteria seedlings grow strong and develop straight stems. Place the pot in a south-facing window or other sunny spot, but keep the temperatures above 12°C (55 °F). Wisteria needs to be watered when the top 1/2 inch of soil feels dry. After watering, empty any collected water from the drip tray. You can transplant your wisteria outside in spring or summer, as long as the plants have grown in at least two sets of leaves and there are at least 45 days until the first expected frost. Plant in a well-drained area that receives at least six hours of daily sun. A spot near a fence or trellis will provide some support as the wisteria grows.