Passionfruit Vine Growing Guide

Passiflora edulis (tropical), Passiflora incarnata and Passiflora caerulea (temperate climates)

Passionfruit Vine

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous 

Soil

Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil enriched with plenty of compost.

Position

Full sun to part shade. Passion fruit vines thrive in spots that get morning sun and some afternoon shade.

Frost tolerant

The large-fruited tropical species cannot tolerate frost and grows best in warm climates. In addition to large-fruited varieties, brightly coloured ornamental selections are available in tropical climates where they grow well. Hardy passion fruit vine species are winter hardy to at least -18°C (0°F).

Feeding

None needed, but young plants require steady moisture to become established.

Spacing

Single Plants: 90cm (2' 11") each way (minimum)
Rows: 90cm (2' 11") with 90cm (2' 11") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Set out purchased plants in spring at about the time of your last frost. Water regularly to keep the roots from drying out.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Tropical passion fruit vines produce the large fruits seen in markets. The smaller, egg-size fruits produced by P. incarnata (maypops) and ornamental varieties are edible, but with many seeds and little flavour. Passion fruit vine flowers are visited by numerous insects, and the foliage supports several species of butterfly larvae. The vines can be trained up a trellis as an entryway accent, or you can grow them over a tall fence.

Harvesting

Pick passion fruit when their colour changes to light green with yellow undertones.

Troubleshooting

Holes in leaves are usually caused by caterpillars that mature into butterflies. Hardy passion flower vines may suffer cold injury in some winters, but quickly grow back from the roots in spring.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Passionfruit Vine