Passiflora edulis

A vigorous evergreen climber that can grow up to 9m with deeply lobed foliage.

Solitary flowers up to 10 cm across with white petals and filaments largely white but purple towards base bloom from July to March. Dark purple skinned edible fruit follows containing sweet orange pulp and small black seeds. Once the skin starts to wrinkle is when its is ready to eat. The leaves are mid green and 3 lobed with a toothed edge.

Prefers full sun and well-draining soils. It is not tolerant of frosts.

Always choose healthy well-grown plants. The soil should be rich in organic matter and low in salts. If the soil is too acid lime must be applied. Because the vines are shallow-rooted they will benefit from a thick layer of organic mulch. Climbing plants require the same type of maintenance as trees and shrubs with an annual dressing (50g/m2) of general purpose fertiliser pruning and training. They may be planted at any time throughout the year provided they are watered well during dry periods.

Planting success is often improved on clay soils by adding extra topsoil and forming raised beds. Incorporate coarse sand, bark, peat, compost or other organic material to improve soil structure. Planting after autumn rains when the soil is moist and warm allows trees and shrubs to become established before winter. This enables them to withstand dry periods during the following summer. Before planting ensure that the root-ball is saturated and remove planter bag pot or wrapping with the minimum of root disturbance. Trim any broken roots or branches and plant at the same level as in the container. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root ball and place the plant in the hole. As soil is placed in the prepared hole tread firmly to bring soil in close contact with the root-ball. Use wide ties that hold securely without chafing to tie the plant to a support trellis.

Apply mulch annually this will help suppress weeds and conserve moisture. Regular watering will keep a vine flowering and fruiting almost continuously. Water requirement is high when fruits are approaching maturity. If the soil is dry fruits may shrivel and fall prematurely. Passion fruit vines are vigorous growers and require regular fertilising. A good choice is 10-5-20 NPK applied at the rate of 1kg per plant 4 times a year. Too much nitrogen results in vigorous foliage growth at the expense of flowering. Passion fruit vines should always be watched for deficiencies particularly in potassium and calcium and of less importance magnesium. Plants that have been damaged by frost should receive a generous fertilizing after the weather has warmed.

Pruning is necessary to keep the vines within bounds, to make harvest easier and to keep the plants productive by maintaining vigorous growth. In warm winter climates, prune immediately after harvest. In areas with cool winters, prune in early spring. As a general rule, remove all weak growth and cut back vigorous growth by at least one third. In very hot climates allow a thick canopy of foliage to grow around the fruit to prevent sunburn. Because of their mass passion fruit vines are difficult to cover when freezes threaten but the layers of leaves help protect the inner branches from frost damage. The best strategy is to grow the vines against a wall or deck or on a patio. Any kind of overhead protection provides additional benefits. The first summer and autumn after planting is critical for young plants; water thoroughly during dry periods.

Mulching helps conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Organic materials such as sawdust and bark contribute to soil structure as they decompose. Keep mulching material away from plant stems. Pests and diseases can have serious debilitating effects on young plants; check regularly.

The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by bees.

Passion vine plants are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases. Fungal infections nematodes and viruses as well as Fusarium wilt and other diseases that thrive in cool soils. Snails can also be a problem in often stripping leaves and bark. Fluffy bums or passion vine hoppers that look like a small moth but jump when touched can be a problem also along with aphids. Check out leaflet Common Pests and Diseases for more info.

Edible Garden