Growing Times
A Passionfruit vine will fruit approximately 18 months after the vine is planted.
Fruit takes 2-3 months to set and then ripen.
When To Plant
Plant your Passionfruit vine when approximately 25cms high, in mid to late Spring when any risk of frosts has passed.
Size
Passionfruit grow vigorously once planted in the right conditions and can easily spread by 5-6 metres each year.
Growing Conditions
Passion fruit need full sun in most growing areas, except for those that are extremely hot, in which case some partial shade can improve growing conditions.
A Passionfruit vine will grow in most soil types but good draining is a must, they hate being left with wet feet.
Protection from frost is also a must, and in colder weather most vines will lose some of their leave before regrowing them in the Summer.
If frosts are a regular occurrence you may be able to grow your Passionfruit vine under a balcony or a in pots so it can be moved into the sun each day and then back under protection in the cooler temperature.
Passionfruit also dislike strong, cold winds so plant your vine in a sheltered area.
Pollination
Some Passionfruit are self fertile, but will still the assistance of bees and other pollinating insects to set their fruit.
If pollination does not occur naturally, it is possible to hand pollinate the flowers.
Maintenance
Growing Passionfruit involves only a small amount of maintenance.
Passionfruit vines need a sturdy structure to grow up or against. A trellis or frame is necessary for these plants.
Water your Passionfruit well, especially in dry conditions, watering deep and long.
The vines are hungry feeders so provide plenty of organic matter and fertiliser throughout the year.
A Passionfruit will only thrive for approximate 5-6 years so be sure to replant new vines throughout this time to make sure you keep your Passionfruit production going.
Pruning
Trim off dead leaves, dried, brittle parts of the vine and any excess vine that is preventing air or light getting through the plant.
Avoid pruning until after your Summer harvest or in early Spring before the new growth comes.
Harvesting
Passionfruit vines fruit on new season’s growth.
The fruit starts off green, and then ripens to a yellow, purple or orange colour depending on the variety you have.
The rind of the fruit is tough, smooth and waxy and will wrinkle over time with extra ripening. Once this wrinkling occurs, the fruit tends to be at it’s sweetest.
Fruit will fall to the ground when it is ready, or it can be picked once the colour change has occurred.
Storage
Once picked, wash the Passionfruit, remove any stalks or flower remains and store them carefully in a bowl or bag at room temperature.
The pulp and juice and be frozen if excess is available.
Read other Article About Passionfruit
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