Growing climbing fruit

[cotton54321]

I was thinking of planting a climbing plant around our door frame in an arch. Problem is I would rather grow something I can eat than something that simply flowers (clematis etc).
Any ideas? I keep drawing a blank. I did spot the trailing strawberries in the victoriana ad in the mag but I don't think even they could trail so far!

[poultrychat]

There's a passion fruit that I grow outside but the fruit isn't very nice, the ones with good eating fruit don't grow outside in this country

[sewer rat]

Mel
I know it's not fruit but can't think of any climbing types that would suit your needs. Why not try one of the more colourful climbing french or runner bean varieties, grown with sweet peas or climbing (trailing) nasturtiums through them - the latter's flowers are edible too. Not sure of varieties that produce coloured pods myself but am certain other grapes will know of plenty.

[cotton54321]

Thanks rat
That sounds like a great idea - its off to the garden centre again today for me !

[Nicos]

I think rat's ideas sound good. Had you thought of the obvious....a grape vine?? If you are south/west facing ,you may be able to grow one, and whilst it's establishing,grow the others too(but beware of overcrowding it!)

[cotton54321]

Hi Nicos
Front is actually east facing so only gets sun early in the morning. Love the idea of a grape though!

[cotton54321]

Hi Rat
Any ideas as to which french/runner bean would climb well and maybe a more unusual colour?
Mel

[Lesley Jay]

Cotton a good tasting climbing french bean is Blue Lake. It is pale green in colour but you can get purple and yellow coloured ones. What about a climbing borlotti bean? Now those pods are really striking in colour - red and white. You can eat the pods when they are small but I prefer to let the beans grow then shell them and use them in stews and casseroles. They freeze great.

[nick the grief]

Oregon Thornless Blackberry?Something a bit different Or if you have a lot of double glazig folks the nasty son of a milkman thats growing on my allotment I'm thinking of calling it Green razorwire!

[andrewo]

You can also train a red currant around your door, takes time but it would be stunning, grape vine would work well too.