Passiflora EDULIS

Passiflora EDULIS - Passion fruit, Purple granadilla, Maracuja, Edible passion flower.

Passiflora is a genus of tendril-bearing vines in the family Passifloraceae, native to the tropical and subtropical climates of Australia, Asia, the Americas - particularly Peru and Brazil - the Mediterranean, with one species native to Madagascar. The genus includes about 500 species of visually distinctive plants. There are annual and perennial varieties, growing as herbaceous plants or evergreen climbing woody vines, with dissected pinnate or simple fleshy dark green leaves up to 10 cm (3.9 in) long that can change shape as they mature. In most species, petioles and leaf blades carry specialized glands that exude nectar, serving in nature to attract ants that defend the vine against caterpillars. Simple unbranched tendrils emerge from leaf axils, reaching toward supports. The stems become woody with age.

Each species bears handsome, solitary, fragrant, star-like flowers on long pedicels. Large blossoms up to 10-12 cm (3.9-4.7 in) across consist of five petals and five sepals subtended by large bracts, surrounding an ovary with three stigmas encircled by five stamens with prominent anthers. Between the stamens and perianth lies a corona of brightly colored filaments in shades of purple and blue. Less frequently, forms with red, white, purple, pink, or green blossoms occur. Flowering takes place from July to October. In tropical America, hummingbirds pollinate the flowers; under other conditions, hand pollination is performed. After blooming, Passiflora produces berry-like fruits up to 6 cm (2.4 in) long containing black seeds. The edible, aromatic, pleasantly tart fruits of passion fruit and granadilla are widely known. Unripe fruits of all Passiflora species contain cyanogenic glycosides.

Passiflora edulis is an evergreen vine native to Brazil, with three-lobed, serrated, glossy leaves and white flowers up to 7 cm (2.8 in) in diameter with stamens purple at their base. It yields ovoid, green-purple berries 5-7 cm (2.0-2.8 in) across as early as its second year of life. In its homeland, it is called "purple granadilla", widely grown as a fruit crop and utilized in the food industry.

Seeds are lightly scarified beforehand (rubbed gently with sandpaper), soaked in hot water for 24 hours, and sown shallowly into a prepared blend of equal parts loam, peat, humus, and sand. They are misted with a spray bottle, enclosed with glass or plastic film, and germinated in the light at 22-25 °C (72-77 °F). Seedlings require ventilation. Overwatering and drought must be prevented. Seeds germinate within 2 weeks to 6 months, occasionally taking up to 9 months. The cover is removed after sprouts emerge. Seedlings are pricked out into individual pots once a pair of true leaves develops.

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Passiflora is very popular with gardeners due to its unfussy nature and rapid growth. It favors bright lighting, though during midday summer hours it is preferable to shade the plant from intense sun rays to prevent leaf scorch. On south-facing windows it produces maximum bloom, thrives equally well on west and east windows, whereas on north-facing sills and under light shade it grows but blooms very sparsely. It may be moved outdoors in warm weather. During winter, supplemental lighting is desirable. It requires a constant supply of fresh air but dislikes chilly drafts. In summer, comfortable temperatures range from 20-25 °C (68-77 °F); in heat exceeding 30 °C (86 °F), the plant quickly loses vigor, turns yellow, dries out, and flowers poorly. In winter dormancy, it needs a cool rest at 10-15 °C (50-59 °F); without these conditions, it may drop foliage and even perish.

Watering must be regular and copious from early spring to late autumn. The soil should remain consistently moist without drying out completely, yet standing water in the saucer should never be allowed. In winter, watering decreases to 3-4 times per month. During summer, the plant benefits from daily misting with soft water. To avoid scorch, misting should not coincide with direct sun, making evening the ideal time. Once every 7-10 days, a gentle lukewarm shower can be given, taking care not to damage delicate vines. Insufficient humidity can encourage spider mites and cause bud drop.

During the spring-summer period of vigorous growth, Passiflora is fed biweekly, alternating between organic and mineral liquid fertilizers for flowering house plants at half strength. The optimal nutrient ratio is 4 parts potassium, 2 parts nitrogen, and 1 part phosphorus. Soil must always be pre-moistened before fertilizing. Foliar feeding once every 6 weeks is also recommended. In winter or when stressed, fertilizing should be withheld.

Young specimens are repotted annually in spring, while mature vines are repotted every 2-3 years. Upsizing the pot only moderately is advisable, because excessive root room yields rampant vine foliage at the expense of floral abundance. A suitable mix combines equal parts loam, leaf mould, peat, and sand. It is best to shift the plant into a new container without disturbing the root ball. At repotting, pruning is carried out, watering is reduced, and misting paused temporarily.

Vines need sturdy trellising and timely guidance, as shoots grow quickly and become woody just as rapidly. In the first year, Passiflora builds primary stems, creating the framework for future growth. Flowers appear solely on young stems, so starting from year 3, annual spring pruning removes suckers at the plant base along with 1/3 of older bare lateral branches. Following bloom and fruiting, main leaders are shortened by 3/4 of their length, and bare side shoots are pruned out entirely. It is essential not to prune flush with the main stem, leaving stubs of 4-5 cm (1.6-2.0 in). Pruning should be done gradually across several sessions; this prevents extensive dieback of feeder roots, shielding the vine from root rot and mortality.