Passionfruit |
Passiflora edulis |
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The purple Passionfruit is a native from Brazil to northern Argentina, the origin of its name, the passion flower, are bizarre. Early missionaries thought the flowers symbolised the crucifixion, and that God placed it amongst the heathens to help their conversion. In the 1500s the vine was introduced to the warmer areas of Europe and proceeded to spread its arms across the rest of the warmer subtropical areas of the world.
Landscape Value
Stunning on a pergola where the large green leaves can provide shade all year, with the added bonus of a vibrant flower display in summer and tasty fruit in autumn. Plant over a fence, against a sheltered wall or deck.
Nutritional Value
Offers good amounts of Vitamin A, B, C, protein, carbohydrates, iron & flavonoids.
How to Eat
This juicy tangy fragrant fruit is excellent scooped out and enjoyed fresh straight from the skin, or add a new dimension to fruit salad, ice-cream, yogurts, pie and cake fillings, cocktails or juice.
Expected Yield
3.5 - 7 kg of fruit per plant but depends on growing conditions.
Generic Fruiting Time
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
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Growing
Sun
Full sun or partial shade.
Wind
They are not wind hardy so need protection from cold winds and do not grow well in salty maritime locations.
Climate
Plants like warm climates, and are, relatively frost tender but will grow back from the base if burnt lightly from frost. Vines need adequate moisture particular while young and when fruits are maturing.
Soil
Passionfruit need a light well drained soil. Any water logging will rot these plants. If you do have a heavy soil plant in a mound to make sure there is good drainage. Passionfruits like slightly acid soil.
Fertiliser
Passionfruit are heavy feeders. Apply approximately 2kg of this feed in three equal amounts. During the growing season apply nitrogen based NPK fertiliser such as citrus feed.
Pruning
As fruit is formed on current seasons wood prune in spring to encourage new growth. Prune hard one lateral annually. Train the vine up a fence or wall removing all laterals until it reaches the height you require then pinch out the top.
Pests
Root rot and nematodes are partially responsible for short life of vines. Make sure the soil does not over wet and waterlogged. Leafhoppers, stink bugs are minor problems of the passionfruit vines.
Hardiness
0 C, very frost tender so need protection until established.
Special Conditions