CHOCOLATE VINE, FIVE LEAF Akebia quinata

Akebia quinata, commonly known as chocolate vine, five-leaf chocolate vine, or five-leaf akebia, is a shrub that is native to Japan, China and Korea, and invasive in the eastern United States from Georgia to Michigan to Massachusetts.

Akebia quinata grows to 10 m (30 ft) or more in height. The flowers are clustered in racemes and are chocolate-scented, with three or four sepals.

Akebia prefers sandy soils with good drainage, and regular watering, though it is drought-resistant.

Seeds per pack: 3

Germination: Lightly scarify seeds with a nail file, and soak in warm water for 24 hours. Surface sow seeds in a pot, mist the soil and sprinkle a small amount of sand or seed-starting soil over seeds. Cover with plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator for 30 days. During this cold stratification process keep soil lightly moist. At the end of the 30 Days, place pot in a very warm, sunny location.