about

Passion fruit is a short-lived evergreen perennial vine that produces an aromatic and tropical-tasting fruit. It is a member of the Passifloraceae family which consists of over 500 plant species. Most of these species are tendril-bearing vines, with only a few known for their fruit production.

The common name originates from Nicolás Monardes, a physician in Spain, who associated the flower morphology of the passion fruit with the five wounds associated with the crucifixion of Christ.

The most cultivated types in the United States are the purple passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) and, to a lesser extent, the yellow passion fruit (known as P. edulis var. flavicarpa).  P. edulis is native to regions of Brazil, Paraguay, and northern Argentina and is grown worldwide in suitable climates.

Passion fruit is well known by Florida gardeners, with many local selections of cultivars to choose from. Most cultivars are a cross between the purple and yellow types, though characteristics between cultivars will vary. These differences include fruit size, appearance, flavor, disease resistance, and many other qualities. Popular Florida cultivars include ‘Possum Purple’, ‘Panama Red’, and ‘Sweet Sunrise’.

Passion fruit vines are frost sensitive and generally survive only in USDA zones 9b and above.  Alachua County is in zone 9a and it is probable several days of a hard freeze may kill unprotected vines although some may resprout from underground tissue.

Passion fruit normally grow as perennial lianas or woody vines that reach great lengths, often covering the tops of mature trees when growing naturally. While a mature vines' total length can exceed 100 ft, they can also grow more than 35 ft in a single year. As new growth emerges from the tips of vines, flower buds emerge along with young leaves and tendrils. The vine's tendrils help it climb and remain secure as they wrap around objects they encounter.

Passion fruit may be propagated from cuttings or fresh seed. Due to persistent viruses, it is best to use disease-free planting material.  If propagated from seeds, they should be as fresh as possible and kept in warm, humid conditions to induce germination. Germination can be aided by scarifying the seed coat. Scarification is when the seed is cut or nicked using a sharp blade or the seed is rubbed with something coarse like sandpaper or a file, to open the seed coat to allow water through. After scarifying the seed coat, soak seeds overnight in water. Seeds can be sown in flats or pots of clean soil or growing media and kept moist. If kept warm (about 85°F), seeds typically germinate in a week and a half to three weeks. After germination, young plants should be kept in partial shade rather than direct sunlight, to avoid burning. Young plants should then be transferred from partial shade to partial sun for several days prior to planting in full sun.

When growing passion fruit from cuttings, be sure to select a healthy plant with active foliage. Cut off a portion of the vine which has at least two nodes (the point on the stem where leaves develop), there should be no more than four nodes per cutting. Then remove all leaves except for the top leaf, and if available, dip the bottom the cutting into a rooting hormone. Cuttings should be planted 2 to 4 inches deep in clean and moist growing media. They should be kept moist and in indirect light. Plastic bags, humidity domes, and regular misting/water will aid in the success of the cuttings. After 3 to 4 months, they should be ready for planting.

Individual plants can sometimes be found in local nurseries, and these are probably best for the homeowner. Passion fruit grow best in full sun or a location where they can reach full sun after climbing. Vines should be planted in well-drained soils and will tolerate near-neutral to alkaline (pH 6­–7.5) conditions, but slightly acid soils are best.  Young plants should be planted in early spring when the chance of frost is over. For home landscape plantings, a simple but strong fence or trellis that can withstand high winds when covered with a vine may is optimal. Application of a slow-release fertilizer two or three times a year can be beneficial.

Passion fruit requires moderate and frequent irrigation to keep the soil moist but not saturated. Using a sprinkler or drip irrigation system is recommended. It also may be helpful to utilize an irrigation timer which can be adjusted with the weather, reducing over watering after rain events. It is also recommended to utilize mulch to suppress weeds and maintain soil moisture.

care

After new vines have been planted, they should be carefully trained along a trellis or similar structure. Vines will naturally attach to anything the tendrils can wrap around. Depending upon the trellis design, vines should be trained to maximize the canopy surface area. Over time, if left unmanaged, the new vine growth may become dense and cover older growth that loses its leaves. This can be a source of fungal diseases that negatively affect new leaves and fruit quality. Vines can be pruned back to the main vine or healthy branches from the main vine in late winter. All dead and weak stems should be pruned out and pruned back to vigorous stems so that they can resume healthy, active growth in early spring. A good time to make the first fertilizer application is after pruning. Vines usually do not produce flowers and fruit in the first year after planting.

There are several pests and diseases which can be harmful to passion fruit. Stink bugs, spider mites, and the larvae of several butterflies can damage the leaves and fruit of the plant. Parasitic nematodes are also a common problem for purple passion fruit. Wilting, decreased growth, and malformed roots are all symptoms of a parasitic nematode infection. It is best to plant yellow varieties if nematodes are a problem in your garden. If plants have been severely affected or killed from pathogens, it is best to remove the entire plant and replace it with a new plant. If it is suspected to be a soil born pathogen, do not replant in the same location. Prevent fungal pathogens and nematodes by not over watering your plants, trellising, pruning, using clean seed or plants that are disease free. While there are several insecticides and fungicides available for use, it is important to make sure the type and timing of materials applied to your plant are not harmful to native pollinators and honeybees. If an insect problem reaches the point where action is needed, contact your local UF/IFAS extension office for guidance.

harvest

In north central Florida, flowering typically occurs in the spring, and fruit mature in midsummer. It typically takes around 70 to 75 days from flowering to harvest. While the flowers are self-pollinating, bumble bees and carpenter bees are important to ensure fertility. When the fruit are nice and ripe, they will drop to the ground. They can be picked off the stem, however it is difficult to determine when the fruit is fully ripe when still on the vine. Therefore, it is recommended to allow the fruit to drop and then regularly collect the fruit, so it does not stay on the ground for long. You can expect 5 to 15 lbs. of fruit per plant from a one-year-old passion fruit plant.