🌿 Ivy: Growing Guide
Ivy (Hedera helix) grows best in shade with moderate watering, and does well at −20 to 30 °C (−4 to 86 °F) in soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Space plants about 50 cm (20 in) apart. Expect 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Hedera helix |
|---|---|
| Category | Climbers |
| Sunlight | Shade |
| Watering | Moderate |
| Plant spacing | 50 cm (20 in) |
| Soil pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Comfortable temperature | −20 to 30 °C (−4 to 86 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season) |
| Sowing depth | 2 cm (0.8 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Plant out | Plant out | Plant out | |||||||||
| Continental | Plant out | Plant out | ||||||||||
| Oceanic | Plant out | Plant out | ||||||||||
| Subtropical | Plant out | Plant out | Plant out | Plant out | ||||||||
| Tropical | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest |
| Cold / Northern | Plant out |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar–Apr, Sep.
- Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: Apr–May.
- Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Mar–Apr.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Aug, Dec–Feb.
- Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Harvest: Feb–Jan.
- Cold / Northern (Scandinavia, Canada, Russia, Alpine): Plant out: May.
Watering
Water about every 4 days in summer and about every 10 days in winter. Hardy, avoid overwatering.
Growing tips
Evergreen. Tolerates shade. Covers walls and fences. ⚠️ Toxic.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Ivy: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar–Apr, Sep. Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: Apr–May. Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Mar–Apr.
Ivy: how often should I water it?
Water about every 4 days in summer and about every 10 days in winter. Hardy, avoid overwatering.
Ivy: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 50 cm (20 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 2 cm (0.8 in).
Ivy: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Ivy: which plants grow well with it?
Fern, Aid.
Ivy: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Spider mite, Powdery mildew.
Plan your garden
Add Ivy to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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