Also known as "Giant granadilla" Passiflora edulis is a big passion vine native to tropical America with the biggest fruits of the Passiflora genus.
Large leaves to 25 cm (10”) long and big colourful showy fragrant flowers up to 12 cm (5”) wide. Large heavy fruits up to 30 cm (12”) long that turns yellow when fully ripe. The un-ripe fruit when green can be boiled and used as a vegetable.
An ornamental tropical vine that in tropical regions can reaches 45 metres (150 ft) long although in cooler regions or in containers it is not so vigorous.
One passionfruit can reach at least 2.5m across and several metres high. An ideal spot to grow a vine is along a wire fence, across a balcony, or over a pergola where they provide year-round shade. If you want to grow a vine along a sunny wall or fence, install some wire, trellis or mesh as support for its tendrils.
Wet soil and soil lacking in nutrients are the worst enemies of the passion fruit plant.
Ensure soil has excellent drainage, and that the site chosen doesn’t ever get waterlogged. If drainage is poor or soil is clay-based, create a large planting mound or plant in a raised garden bed.
Improve soil a week or two before planting. Only use a quality soil improver, well-composted, not fresh, manure, or well broken-down compost.
Passion fruit requires support that tendrils can easily attach to. They will readily grab wire that is run along fences or walls, or between posts.
Avoid disturbing roots when planting.
Fertilise with a quality controlled-release fertiliser.
Mulch well after planting, but don’t push mulch against the stems; keep at least 5cm clear.
Caring for passion fruit
For best results, follow these tips to care for your passion fruit:
Keep an eye on any shoots in case they head off into surrounding trees or shrubs. Just trim them off.
Regular applications of liquid seaweed and liquid fertiliser will improve growth, flowering and fruiting.
Ensure your plant is adequately watered during flowering and fruit development.