Granadilla
Passiflora edulis
Also known as
Passionfruit, Grinadella (Afr.), Purple passion fruit
Photo by chuybenitez (CC BY 4.0)
Full Sun
Moderate care
Moderate watering
Half-hardy
10a
USDA zone
-1°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
6m | Max | 5m |
2m | Min | 50cm |
Fruiting
spring
summer
autumn
winter
Two bearing seasons: early spring and mid to late summer. Can go into winter if it is a mild. Allow fruit to ripen on the vine and harvest fruit once they have dropped onto the ground. Fruit at best once the outer skin begins to wrinkle.
More images of Granadilla
Granadilla Overview
Known for its delicious fruit and exquisite flowers, granadillas. Granadillas are strong, vigorous vines that can easily be trained up a trellis, fence or wall. Native to the tropical regions of the world (Paraguay, Brazil and northern Argentina), granadillas are sensitive to frost and enjoy relatively high humidity and a rainfall of at least 1200mm per annum. Regular watering, pruning and fertilising will encourage continual flowering and fruiting. Fruits are round to oval with a tough purple skin and a high pulp content. The delicious pulp is often used in drinks, desserts and fruity recipes. The plants should be trained to grow on a well-constructed trellis, otherwise, they are soon out of reach.
Common problems with Granadilla
Numerous sap-sucking pests can occur on foliage and fruits so plants should be checked regularly. Fungi can cause damping-off of seedlings, and root rot can also be deadly, so try not to over water plants.
Granadilla Companion Plants
Always plant groundcovers or mulch around the base of the plant to keep the soil cool and to protect the roots.
How to propagate Granadilla
Seed
Cut through a granadilla and scoop out the contents. Thoroughly wash the contents to separate the seed from the pulp. Dry the seed and sow in seedling trays.
Cuttings
Propagate from seed in spring or cuttings.
Layering
Layering in summer.
Special features of Granadilla
Crop rotation
Heavy Feeder
Attractive flowers
Attractive leaves
Attractive fruits
Attracts bees
Pot plant
Granadillas can be grown in containers but will need adequate support structures to climb up against.
Other uses of Granadilla
Wall or trellis, ornamental fruit
Edible
The fruit has a deep yellow to orange fleshy pulp in the centre of a purple casing. Fruit can be left to ripen and fall to the ground before being picked up.
