Passion fruits are rounded, to oval, tart and tangy fruits that are borne on vigorous growing, evergreen vines that can grow 15-20 feet per year. While these are fast growers, passion vines are short-lived plants, usually living for only 5-7 years.   The leaves are 3-lobed, deep green and glossy on top and are paler and dull on the undersides.  Flowering occurs during the spring and summer months and the display can be dramatic.  Single flowers, 2-3” wide are formed in each node, along the length of the years new growth.   The unique, frilly flowers are quite attractive.   Fruits are ripe 70-80 days after pollination occurs.   Plant your passion vine in a full sun location, and allow it to run on a fence or strong trellis.  It is also possible to train your vine to cover an arbor or similar structure.   Passion vines can grow in a wide variety of soil conditions, but prefer a sandy loam that has excellent drainage.  If the roots and the crown are in wet conditions, they will be susceptible to rotting and dying off.  A rich soil with plenty of organic matter and a pH of 6.5 to 7.5 is nice.  When you are ready to plant your vine, dig a hole that is both 18’ deep and wide.  Into the bottom of this hole, add 2 heaping handfuls of compost, 3 cups each of landscape mix and worm castings, and two cups of azomite.   Mix the above ingredients with several handfuls of soil and then place the vine down into the hole and fill the dirt back in around it.  With every 4” of soil that you add back into the hole, mix in one cup each of compost, landscape mix and worm castings.  Once the hole has been completely refilled and the soil gently packed down around the vine, add a 2-3” layer of mulch in a 4 foot circle around the newly planted vine.  This will help to keep the shallow root system cool and well fed with nutrients during the year.

We are currently selling Passiflora edulis var Fredrick plants.