Planting

• Plant your bittersweet plant in the proper location. The bittersweet plant is a climbing vine, so should be planted near a fence, trellis or other structure so it climbs as it grows. While bittersweet vines will grow in almost all types of soil, it prefers rich, loamy soil over sandy soil or clay. Finally, make sure the planting location receives at least a half-day of sunlight. The vine will grow in full shade, but it will not flower or fruit well. The bittersweet plant needs at least partial sun to produce its vibrantly colored berries. You will need both a male and female vine in order for the plant to produce fruit, so plant at least one of each.
  
  

Watering

• Make sure your vine gets enough water. Bittersweet plants enjoy moist soil, and are often found in the wild growing near streams or in marshy areas. The vine is native to cooler weather, and thrive in states that get enough water from the climate cycles, such as along the Rocky Mountains line and in the Northeast. Still, if you encounter a drought in summer, you might have to manually water your bittersweet plant.
  
  

Pruning

• Prune your plant to keep it manageable. Bittersweet vines are known to quickly encircle and choke off the life of other plants, especially the fast-growing Oriental bittersweet. Prune the plant in early spring, or even late winter, before the leaves or flowers start appearing. Simply cut the vines back to the length you prefer.