Passiflora edulis
Family: Passifloraceae
Common Name: Purple Granadilla

A native of Brazil, the common passionfruit is now grown in most of the warmer regions of the world, and in countries like Australia and New Zealand it is an important economic crop. The delicious, pulpy flesh of the fruit is eaten raw and also widely used in tarts, fruit salads and other sweets. In climates prone to frosts, it can be grown in an intermediate to warm greenhouse or conservatory.

Species

Passiflora edulis, passionfruit, is an evergreen, tendril climbing vine, with dark purple to nearly black fruit, about 7 cm 13 in) long, containing a pleasantly flavored, tart, yellowish pulp and many, soft, black seeds. Both the pulp and the seeds are edible.

P. mollissima, banana passionfruit, is a vigorous plant. It is one of the hardier passitloras and can be grown outdoors in zone 8, provided it is in a sunny position and very well sheltered from cold drying winds. This species produces heavy crops of long, yellow, very acid fruit, containing more pulp than other types.

P. quadrangularis, granadilla, is widely cultivated in tropical areas for its large, edible fruits, which can grow to over 20 cm (8 in) long. The flowers are extremely decorative, so this vine is worth growing for its floral display alone.

Cultivation

Under glass, grow in a soil border, or in a large pot or tub of soil-based potting compost. Provide maximum light but shade from direct strong sun. Bear in mind that this plant can take up a lot of space, even when trained into the roof of the greenhouse. The plant should be pruned in early spring by cutting back all side shoots to within three or four buds of the main stems. Propagate from semi-ripe cuttings in summer, rooted with bottom heat, or by layering in spring. Under glass, there are several pests that may attack it, particularly scale insects, mealy bugs, red spider mites and whitefly.

Climate

Zone 10.