Guide to growing garden plants - Dioscorea (Cinnamon vine)
One of the beauties of the half hardy perennial Dioscorea is its cinnamon fragranced flowers.
These bloom anytime from spring to autumn (variety specific) with small white flowers.
They are climbing plants and have beautiful heart shaped leaves.
These qualities lead to one of the common names for Dioscorea, Cinnamon vine; other names include Chinese Yam.
How to grow Cinnamon Vine (Dioscorea)
Cinnamon vine can be grown from either tubers or seeds. the seeds should be planted at a depth of 3mm at the end of September or on October, whereas tubers should be buried at a depth of 8cm following the last frost of spring. Dioscorea can be grown in either a partially shaded or sunny area of the garden that has good drainage and a deep soil.
Caring for Dioscorea plants in the garden
As Dioscorea are climbers they should be provided a trellis to grow upon. You can grow Cinnamon vine seedlings indoors first, they take about three to six weeks to germinate at 21 to 24 degrees Centigrade. They should be moved outdoors in the middle of spring. Once growing provide plenty of water. If you require more plants then cuttings can be took, or the plant can be divided in the autumn.