Heart Seed
Cardiospermum halicacabum
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Pl. B31D — Cardiospermum halicacabum
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IOverview
Overview
Heart Seed, scientifically known as Cardiospermum halicacabum, is a climbing vine native to regions including Angola and various parts of Asia and South America. This plant thrives in full sun and moist conditions, preferring light to heavy soil types. It can grow up to 3 meters tall and is known for its edible leaves and shoots, making it a valuable food source in some areas. Its native range extends across many countries from Africa to Southeast Asia, including parts of South America. One distinctive feature of Heart Seed is the heart-shaped seedpod that gives it its common name.
Quick answers
What is Heart Seed?
Heart Seed, scientifically known as Cardiospermum halicacabum, is a climbing vine native to regions including Angola and various parts of Asia and South America. This plant thrives in full sun and moist conditions, preferring light to heavy soil types.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Heart Seed thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows well in zones 8-11 and can reach a height of 3 meters. For propagation, use the leaves and shoots. This plant is native to regions including Angola, Argentina, Bangladesh, and Benin.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
8-11
Mature size
3.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Heart Seed for the first time
8steps
Start with Heart Seed as a simple, low-maintenance plant for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, small pots if starting indoors, potting soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the last frost has passed and temperatures are warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining potting mix. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost, then transplant outdoors after danger of frost passes.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil moist and provide partial shade to help seedlings establish. Protect from strong winds.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Provide full sun for best growth. Prune occasionally to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune after flowering to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from becoming too leggy.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough sunlight, neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesShoots
Edible uses: The heart seed plant's leaves and shoots are edible. Typically, they are prepared fresh in salads or cooked as a green vegetable. SKIP
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Asia4 regions
native (4)BangladeshCambodiaChinaIndia
Americas5 regions
native (5)BahamasBoliviaColombiaCosta RicaCuba
Africa9 regions
native (9)AngolaBeninBotswanaBurkina FasoBurundiCabo VerdeCameroonChadComoros
Broader regions
native:Argentina Northwest, Bismarck Archipelago, Borneo, Brazil North, Brazil Northeast, Brazil South, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, Cayman Is., Chile Central, Congo
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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