How to Grow Sea Heart
iNaturalist
Sea Heart
Entada rheedii
vineSea Heart is a vigorous tropical climbing vine known for its enormous woody seed pods that can exceed 3 feet in length and contain large, heart-shaped seeds. The plant produces fragrant white to cream-colored flowers and feathery bipinnate foliage. It is prized both as an ornamental climbing plant and for its unique seeds, which are often collected and used in crafts.
When should you plant Sea Heart in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Sea Heart timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Sea Heart
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Sea Heart
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Sea Heart dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in tropical and warm subtropical zones 10b-12, requires frost-free conditions year-round
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Get my Sea Heart timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
3-4 weeksInitial growth with small compound leaves emerging from soil. Plant is delicate and low-growing.
Keep soil moist, provide bright indirect light, protect from wind damage. Ensure good drainage to prevent damping off.
Vegetative
2-4 monthsRapid climbing growth with feathery bipinnate foliage becoming more robust. Vine extends along support structure.
Provide sturdy vertical support or trellis. Fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer. Prune to encourage branching and bushier growth.
Flowering
2-3 monthsDelicate, fragrant white to cream-colored flowers appear in loose clusters along the vine.
Maintain consistent watering and fertilization. Ensure full sun exposure for abundant blooms. Do not overprune during this stage.
Fruiting & Pod Development
12-18 monthsLarge, elongated woody seed pods develop, eventually reaching 3+ feet long. Pods mature from green to brown.
Provide structural support for heavy pods. Maintain watering and fertility. Allow pods to mature fully on vine.
Seed Maturity & Harvest
Ongoing throughout seasonPods dry and split open naturally, revealing large, flat, heart-shaped seeds with smooth varnished appearance.
Collect fallen pods and seeds. Clean and dry seeds for storage or crafts. Seeds may float; this is normal.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if infestation is severe. Increase humidity around plant.
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Remove with soft brush and alcohol-soaked cotton swabs. Apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap for larger infestations.
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Prune affected branches; apply horticultural oil during dormant season. Inspect regularly and remove by hand if light infestation.
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly until controlled.
Uses
Decorative Seeds & Jewelry
CraftThe large heart-shaped seeds are highly prized for use in crafts, jewelry, decorative arrangements, and folk art projects. Their natural shiny appearance and unique shape make them valuable collectibles. [source]
Tropical Climbing Vine
OrnamentalSea Heart's vigorous growth, feathery foliage, and fragrant flowers make it an excellent ornamental vine for covering pergolas, trellises, and arbors in tropical gardens. [source]
Traditional Medicine
MedicinalIn tropical regions, various parts of Sea Heart are used in traditional medicine preparations for treating inflammation, skin conditions, and digestive issues. [source]
Pollinator & Wildlife Support
WildlifeThe fragrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it valuable for supporting pollinator populations in tropical gardens. [source]
Flotation & Oceanographic Interest
HouseholdThe heart-shaped seeds are buoyant and naturally drift on ocean currents, earning the plant its common name. They have been found washed ashore on distant beaches. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest pods when fully mature and beginning to split, typically 12-18 months after flowering. Allow pods to dry naturally on the vine and fall to ground, or cut mature brown pods and allow to dry indoors. Collect and clean heart-shaped seeds; they can be used immediately for crafts or stored in cool, dry location for years. Seeds often retain viability for extended periods.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Sea Heart seeds are naturally buoyant and can float on ocean currents for years, washing ashore on beaches thousands of miles from their origin—leading to their romantic common name and cultural significance in Caribbean and African folklore.
- 🌱 A single Sea Heart pod can contain 15-20 large seeds, and mature vines can produce dozens of pods simultaneously, making seed collection quite abundant once the plant reaches maturity.
- 🌱 The seeds have a naturally glossy, varnished appearance that polishes beautifully and has been traditionally used by sailors and coastal peoples as good luck charms and decorative treasures.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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