Vines usually grow from seed, which germinate in 10 weeks. Germination time is shortened to five weeks by soaking the seeds first in lukewarm water. Three-month old seedlings transplanted into the garden need a trellis for support and produce the first fruit in a year and a half to two years. Vines reach 20 to 23 feet tall.
Fruits are eaten ripe from the vine, and strained fresh juice consumed by itself or combined with other juices and ingredients for beverages and cocktails. Strained pulp goes into gelatins, ice cream, pies, puddings, preserves, relish, and fruit salads. The vines are valued in landscaping for fast cover of trellises and the large, colorful 3- to 5-inch-wide flowers. Before introducing it into an area, consider its possible invasiveness.