Other names:
Passiflora, apricot vine, grenadilla, maracuja, maracuya.
Passion fruits are great for use in soft drinks or cocktails. The fruits grow on a climbing plant which is also well known for its beautiful flowers. The passionfruit vine is a strong, vigorous, evergreen climber, produces egg sized fruit filled with wonderfully tart, bright orange pulp and it originated in South America. This common red-purple passionfruit is native in Malaysia. Passion fruit vines are hardy to 32F, so protect from any frosts. They can withstand short drops below 32F but foliage may die back. It can grow about 20ft per year. The plant vine can live between 5 to 7 years. Passion fruit can grow well in Southern California and Florida.
How to Grow
The purple passionfruit is subtropical. It grows and produces well between altitudes of 2,000 and 4,000 ft (650-1,300 m).
Soil type: light to heavy sandy loams, of medium texture are most suitable, and pH should be from 6.5 to 7.5. If the soil is too acid, lime must be applied. Good drainage is essential to minimize the incidence of collar rot.
Seeds are planted 1/2 in (1.25 cm) deep in beds, and seedlings may be transplanted when 10 in (25 cm) high.
Regular watering will keep a vine flowering and fruiting almost continuously. Pruning passionfruit is essential to avoid fungal diseases.
Harvesting:
Passionfruit fall from the vine when mature, and the fruit is harvested off the ground.
Maturity period:
Usually 18 months for first fruit bearing.
Usage:
Eat raw as fruit or use the fruit pulps to make juices.
In Madeira, the juice of passionfruits is given as a digestive stimulant and treatment for gastric cancer
Nutrition info
Good sources of potassium, vitamin A & C and dietary fiber.
References:
http://www.tropicalpermaculture.com/growing-passionfruit.html
http://www.hortnet.co.nz/publications/hortfacts/hf708005.htm
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