Akebia quinata – Five-leaved Akebia

General Information: A vigorous, twining vine with dense foliage. Climbs readily, but in areas without support the vines will trail and form a thick ground cover. Compound, leathery leaves are unique in appearance. Evergreen in mild climates. The clusters of fragrant, chocolate-scented, lilac-purple flowers appear in May. Fruit is a 2-7 inch pod that turns purple and splits open when ripe in September or October. Inside is a core of edible white pulp with a mild, sweet taste, like tapioca pudding with seeds. The seeds are very bitter and can overpower the sweetness if chewed. Birds are known to consume the pulp and seeds. The rind is also edible, although somewhat bitter, and is used as a cooked vegetable in Japan while the pulp is eaten raw. The plant is also used in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Edible Qualities: Enjoy Akebia fruit pulp fresh. Pods can be stuffed with seasoned meat or vegetables and deep fried. The young shoots can be cooked as a potherb, pickled, or fermented. The mature leaves and stems have been used as a tea substitute. Depending on the region, flowers may emerge before many pollinator insects arrive. In colder climates, even where pollinator insects are plentiful at the time of flowering, hand pollination will likely result in the heaviest fruit production. Much fruit can be set in just a few minutes of hand-pollination. The vines in our planting (Zone 6a), are about 15 feet apart, and usually set fairly good crops of fruit without hand-pollination.

Cultivation Details: This plant is not self-fertile. Two or more selections with different genetics are required for fruit production. This plant is susceptible to Powdery Mildew and should be treated with a natural fungicide in wet years to prevent Mildew spread to other plants. Vines should be pruned annually or semi-annually to keep them contained. Note that anywhere the vines touch the ground will result in new root growth. For ease of fruit access, keep the vines at a manageable height. A preferred control method is to grow the plants in pots or in the ground with rhizome barriers installed and train the vines on a trellis or another structure that will prevent the stems from touching the ground. Dispose of pruned material by burning or boiling for 15 minutes before discarding. In colder climates, the plant does not readily reseed despite animal foraging. Our plantings are over 30 years old and we have not yet seen any volunteer plants emerge on our 90-acre farm.

Growing Requirements: Plant in part sun for best fruit production. Plants will tolerate nearly full shade but flowering and fruit set will be impacted. Prefers moist, well-drained soils. Suitable for most soil types. Suitable for mildly acidic, neutral, and mildly alkaline soils.