Passiflora edulis PASSION FRUIT (5 seeds)

Passion Fruit, also known as granadilla, is a perennial climbing herbaceous plant from the Passifloraceae family. Native to Brazil, it was discovered at the end of the 16th century by the first Spanish conquistadors. Its growth is very rapid; it can easily grow 1 to 3 meters in length in just one year.

Passion fruit seeds from Passiflora edulis are black, oval-shaped, rough in appearance, and measure about 6 millimeters in length.

Its large flowers measure between 5 and 15 cm in diameter. They are purple and white and consist of five to ten petals. The pistil and stamens are yellow.

Its leaves are thick and evergreen, green in color, and rather large, measuring 8 to 13 centimeters in length by 6 to 13 centimeters in width.

Its fruits, called passion fruits, contain crunchy seeds surrounded by an orange pulp with a texture similar to jelly. The unique flavor is both sweet and acidic. The skin of the fruit is dark purple.

- Uses:

This edible variety of Passionflower was used as an infusion for its toning and stimulating benefits during the pre-Columbian period.

In medicine, its leaves are used to combat problems with insomnia, anxiety, and nervousness.
Do not consume without medical advice from a healthcare professional.

The flesh of the fruit is consumed either on its own or used to flavor yogurts and desserts. This exotic berry is delicious in the form of juice.

It is a plant also appreciated for ornamental purposes, such as covering an old fence or providing a privacy screen.

- Germination and Sowing:

• The ideal period to sow granadilla is at the end of May when temperatures are sufficiently warm.
• Soak the seeds for 12 hours in warm water to accelerate germination.
• Prepare small peat pots that have been previously moistened.
• Bury the seeds 1 cm deep.
• Gently water the crop by spraying every 3 days on average.
• Place the plantation in a greenhouse at a temperature of at least 30°C.
• Germination generally begins 4 to 6 weeks after sowing.

- Substrate / Soil Type:

It needs a light substrate rich in nutrients; the use of a good compost is recommended during planting. For pot cultivation, ensure the bottom is well-drained with clay pebbles.

- Exposure / Light:

This vine grows very quickly in full sun; prefer a location along a south or southwest-facing wall. Regarding lamps, use growth LEDs or HPS bulbs.

- Temperature / Hardiness:

Passiflora edulis grows very well in the heat, under temperatures between 25 and 35°C. If the temperature is lower, the exotic vine will grow much slower. Its hardiness is low; the aerial part freezes below 0°C. The maracuja plant will not survive temperatures below -5°C. Its USDA zone is 10b.

- Watering / Irrigation:

This vine with delicious fruit should be watered 2 to 3 times a week in the middle of summer; to limit watering, mulching at the base of the plant is recommended. During the autumn and winter periods, it is not necessary to water the plant.

- Multiplication / Reproduction:

There are two ways to reproduce it: either by seed or by cuttings. To do this, cut a stem piece 15 cm long, remove the two base leaves, then plant the cutting in a tray of moist sand; finally, place the cutting in a warm greenhouse.

- Pests / Diseases:

It can be subject to infestations of mealybugs, aphids, red spider mites, and even whiteflies. A treatment based on black soap will put an end to these infestations.

- Maintenance:

Prune dead branches in early spring to stimulate new growth and fruit production. Be sure to pick up dead leaves that fall from time to time.