1. Description
Common Names: Passion Fruit, Purple Passionfruit, Granadilla
Local Name (in Kerala): Passion Pazham / Krishna Phal
Scientific Name: Passiflora edulis
Appearance:
- Round or oval fruit with purple or yellow outer skin
- Inner pulp is bright orange-yellow, filled with black edible seeds
- Juicy, aromatic, and sweet-tangy in flavor
Special Feature:
- Grown on a fast-growing vine with ornate purple-white flowers
- Popular for its refreshing juice and high nutritional value
Fragrance:
- Strong, tropical fruity aroma, especially when ripe
Use:
Consumed fresh or used in juices, jams, desserts, ice creams, and smoothies
How to Plant
- Planting Method: Use seeds or grafted plants.
- Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil with compost or cow dung.
- Spacing: Plant vines 2–3 meters apart near a strong support or trellis.
- Sunlight: Needs full sun (at least 6 hours daily).
- Watering: Regular watering, but avoid waterlogging.
Plant Size
- Vine Length: Can grow up to 10–15 feet or more with support.
- Spread: Spreads wide if allowed to trail or climb on trellises or fences.
Fruiting Time
- Starts fruiting in 10–12 months after planting.
- Fruits are harvested twice a year, usually in summer and winter seasons.
Plant Type
- Type: Climbing vine (perennial)
- Growth: Fast-growing, evergreen under warm climates.
Caring Tips (Like Your Preferred Style)
Sunlight
- Needs full sunlight (minimum 6 hours/day).
Watering
- Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.
- Water deeply 2–3 times a week in summer.
- Reduce watering during the rainy season or winter.
Soil
- Requires fertile, well-drained loamy soil.
- Mix garden soil + compost + sand if planting in pots.
Fertilizer
- Use organic compost or cow dung every month.
- Apply NPK 10-10-10 every 2 months during the growing season.
Pruning
- Prune regularly to control overgrowth.
- Remove weak, dead, or entangled vines for better airflow.
Pest Control
- Watch for aphids, fruit flies, and mealybugs.
- Spray neem oil or soap solution monthly to prevent pests.
