Best Edible Climbing Plants: 27 Varieties For Vertical Gardens

27 Edible Climbing Plants for Arbors, Trellises, and Vertical Gardens

Limited garden space doesn’t mean limited harvests. By growing edible climbing plants, gardeners can maximize vertical space, beautify structures like arbors or trellises, and enjoy a broad spectrum of delicious fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Whether you have a sunny patio, a small backyard, or just want to add another layer to your garden, edible climbers are the answer. Below, explore 27 of the best climbing plants that will turn your garden into a lush, productive oasis.

Why Grow Edible Climbing Plants?

• Space Efficiency: Vertical growing saves precious horizontal space, ideal for urban gardening or small yards.
• Increased Yields: Climbing plants often produce more food per square foot by going up instead of out.
• Healthier Crops: Training plants vertically improves air circulation, reducing disease and pest issues.
• Visual Appeal: Arbors and trellises draped in foliage and fruit add beauty and privacy to your landscape.
• Accessibility: Easier harvesting and maintenance—no bending or crawling required!

Types of Edible Climbers: Naturals & Trainables

Not all edible plants climb naturally, but many can be encouraged to scale support structures with gentle training. Here are the types you’ll encounter:

• Natural Climbers: Plants with tendrils or twining stems (like peas and pole beans).
• Vigorous Vine Growers: Squash, melons, and gourds scramble and need tying at first.
• Trainable Shrubs: Some berry bushes and even tomatoes can be guided up supports.

27 Best Edible Climbing Plants

Here’s your guide to the most productive and attractive edible climbers to grow in your vertical garden:

• 1. Pole Beans
  • Fast-growing, heavy-yielding, and easy to train up most structures.
  • Try classic green beans or colorful varieties like purple or yellow wax beans.
• 2. Peas (Garden and Snow Peas)
  • Cool-season crop with sweet pods; climbs naturally with curling tendrils.
  • Harvest peas young for the tastiest results.
• 3. Cucumbers
  • Produce straighter, cleaner fruit when grown vertically.
  • Choose compact varieties for small spaces or full-sized for large arbors.
• 4. Tomatoes
  • Indeterminate tomatoes (vining types) are ideal for trellising.
  • Requires tying but rewards with an extended harvest period.
• 5. Malabar Spinach (Basella alba)
  • Tropical leafy green with beautiful, glossy leaves and a twining habit.
  • Great warm-weather alternative to true spinach.
• 6. Scarlet Runner Beans
  • Decorative red flowers attract pollinators; beans are edible fresh or dry.
  • Vigorous climbers cover large spaces quickly.
• 7. Grapes
  • Classic fruiting vine for arbors, producing grapes for fresh eating, juice, or wine.
  • Requires annual pruning for health and productivity.
• 8. Passionfruit (Passiflora edulis)
  • Exotic flowers and sweet-tart fruits; needs a sturdy support for its vigorous vines.
  • Excellent for subtropical and tropical climates.
• 9. Chayote (Sechium edule)
  • Pear-shaped squash; entire plant is edible—from fruit to shoots and leaves.
  • Requires a strong trellis and some initial training.
• 10. Hops (Humulus lupulus)
  • Used primarily for beer making, but young shoots are edible as greens.
  • Vigorous perennial climber; grows best with plenty of sun and space.
• 11. Loofah (Luffa aegyptiaca)
  • Younger fruits can be eaten like zucchini; older fruits used as natural sponges.
  • Impressive vines with large leaves and yellow blooms.
• 12. Kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa and hardy types)
  • Requires sturdy support and patience—plants take years to fruit but are worth the wait.
  • Choose hardy kiwi for colder regions.
• 13. Squash (Summer & Winter Types)
  • Acorn, butternut, and zucchini all adapt to vertical growing with support.
  • Keep fruit off the ground for better air flow and cleaner harvests.
• 14. Melons
  • Cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon can climb trellises—support heavy fruit with slings.
  • Grow in warm, sunny locations for best results.
• 15. Gourds (Bottle, Snake, and More)
  • Decorative and edible, depending on the variety.
  • Vertical support prevents rot and saves space.
• 16. Hyacinth Bean (Lablab purpureus)
  • Vivid purple flowers and pods; beans are edible when young and cooked properly.
  • Fast climbers for quick coverage.
• 17. Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus)
  • Peppery-tasting flowers and leaves; edible, decorative, and pest-repelling.
  • Training helps encourage a climbing habit.
• 18. Blackberries and Raspberries (Trailing Types)
  • Bramble canes need to be tied to supports; reward with juicy berries.
  • Great for edible privacy screens along fences or arbors.
• 19. Vanilla Bean Orchid (Vanilla planifolia)
  • Tropical orchid vine producing aromatic vanilla pods.
  • Needs warmth and humidity but is a rewarding challenge for adventurous gardeners.
• 20. Akebia (Chocolate Vine)
  • Unique fruit with sweet pulp; versatile ornamental edible for partial shade.
  • Vigorous grower—be prepared to prune regularly.
• 21. Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia)
  • Widely used in Asian cuisine; packed with nutrients and health benefits.
  • Climbing habit makes it ideal for hot, sunny locations.
• 22. Air Potato (Dioscorea bulbifera, select edible varieties)
  • Produces aerial tubers eaten in some cuisines; verify edibility before planting.
  • Grow responsibly—some varieties can be invasive.
• 23. Gooseberry and Currant (Certain Climbing Types)
  • Usually shrubs but can be trained as cordons or espaliered vertically.
• 24. Lima Beans
  • Pole varieties climb like other beans and provide protein-rich pods.
  • Grow in full sun for best pod production.
• 25. Yardlong Beans
  • Extra-long beans perfect for stir-fries and climbing up tall supports.
  • Tolerates heat and is highly productive.
• 26. Chayote (Mirliton)
  • Similar to squash, with many edible parts; excels in frost-free climates.
• 27. Cherry Tomatoes (Vining Types)
  • Prolific and sweet, small-fruited tomato plants are perfect for trellises and towers.

How to Train and Support Vertical Edible Climbers

• Choose the Right Structure: Use sturdy trellises, arbors, fences, or towers strong enough to support mature vines and heavy fruit.
• Use Ties and Clips: Garden twine, soft ties, or plant clips gently secure stems without damaging them.
• Regular Training: Guide vines onto supports as they grow; check weekly for stray growth or needed adjustments.
• Prune as Needed: Trim excess growth and remove suckers to keep plants manageable and productive.

Benefits of Growing Edible Climbers

• Maximizes harvest in small spaces
• Reduces risk of soil-borne diseases and fruit rot
• Improves garden aesthetics and increases biodiversity
• Provides shade and privacy as living screens

Considerations for Success

• Climate: Select plants suited to your hardiness zone and summer temperatures.
• Sunlight: Most climbers need 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. Some, like Akebia, can handle partial shade.
• Soil: Ensure well-draining, fertile soil and regular watering.
• Fertilization: Feed heavily fruiting vines with compost or balanced fertilizer throughout the growing season.

Table: Quick Reference Guide to Edible Climbers

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the easiest edible climbers for beginners?

A: Pole beans and peas are among the easiest—fast-growing, forgiving, and highly productive for new gardeners.

Q: Can I grow edible climbing plants in containers?

A: Yes! Many climbers like cucumbers, tomatoes, and beans thrive in large pots with proper supports. Fertilize regularly for best results.

Q: Will climbing plants damage my fence or arbor?

A: As long as you choose sturdy, rot-resistant materials, edible climbers won’t damage structures. Avoid planting very aggressive vines (like some gourds) on weak supports.

Q: How do I prevent diseases on vertical crops?

A: Good air circulation from vertical growing reduces disease risk. Always water at the soil level to keep leaves dry, and remove any diseased foliage promptly.

Q: Are there perennial edible climbers?

A: Yes, grapes, kiwis, some berries, vanilla bean orchids, and hops are perennial and return year after year with proper care.

Final Thoughts

Edible climbing plants aren’t just about maximizing yield in small spaces—these versatile vines bring beauty, variety, and practicality to any garden. Whether you’re training pole beans up a fence or letting kiwis drape over an arbor, vertical gardening with edible climbers opens up a world of delicious possibilities. Choose your favorites from this list and start your journey to a more bountiful, well-designed, and inspiring garden.

Author

Shinta

 

Shinta is a biotechnologist turned writer. She holds a master's degree in Biotechnology from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences and a PG Diploma in cellular and molecular diagnostics from Manipal University. Shinta realised her love for content while working as an editor for a scientific journal.

Read full bio of Shinta