Sinofranchetia chinensis

At a glance

Exposure: Full sun
Frost limit: −23.3 °C

Cultivation

Succeeds in any ordinary garden soil in sun or shade. The young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts. A fast growing climbing plant. Any pruning is best carried out after the plant has finished flowering. Dioecious, but female plants can produce fruits in the absence of male plants. The report does not say if this fruit contains viable seed, so it is best to assume that male and female plants must be grown if seed is required[K].

Propagation

Seed - can be sown as soon as it is ripe or in late winter in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Layering of new shoots in summer.

Edible uses

Fruit - raw.

Habitat

Woodland, 1500 - 2800 metres.

Native range

E. Asia - C. and W. China.