To grow this delicious fruit it needs access to direct sunlight, plenty of space to grow, and planted in good quality soil. Regular access to water will help maximize growth. To encourage flowering it is important to not use excessive nitrogen fertilizers, which will lead the vine to produce an abundance of vegetation rather than flowering. As the vine grows it produces flowers on the new growth, so pruning in spring of all large branches will promote new growth and flowering.

Like many tropical crops, passion fruit are sensitive to freezing temperatures. By protecting the base of the plant with insulation it will prevent the entire plant from dying. Passion fruit can also be attacked by caterpillars, such as the Gulf Fritillary, which may require pest management. Diseases can also occur on passion fruit, especially within the roots, so the use of yellow varieties for rootstock has been utilized for years to prevent some diseases.

Passion fruit is an excellent plant for the casual gardener due to its rapid growth, beautiful flowers, delicious fruit, and ease of management. The fruit can fetch a good price for both domestic and international markets and may be planted on increased acreage in Florida in the near future. Small-scale commercial production is beginning in North-central Florida, so keep an eye out at your local farmers markets!

For more information about how to grow passion fruit please see the main article: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/HS1406

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