Matt's 9b field note
“Two vines behind the fence, about 3 years in. Cultivars unspecified.”
Background
Passiflora edulis is native to southern Brazil, Paraguay, and northern Argentina. The two main forms are the purple passion fruit (forma edulis, sweeter, more cold-tolerant) and the yellow passion fruit (forma flavicarpa, more vigorous, needs cross-pollination). It is a fast-growing perennial vine that typically fruits within 1-2 years; cultivar unconfirmed for Matt's vines.
Distinguishing traits
Vigorous climbing vine reaching 10-30 ft on a trellis or fence with spectacular purple-and-white flowers; round to oval fruit with wrinkled skin when ripe and intensely aromatic sweet-tart pulp full of seeds. Purple types are self-fertile.
Desert care — zone 9b
- Chill hours
- None to minimal.
- Cold hardiness
- Purple types hardy to about 25-30°F (zone 9b); aerial parts freeze below 32°F. Mulch the crown; established vines usually resprout from the base after freezes.
- Heat tolerance
- Grows very well in heat (best 77-95°F); in Phoenix's driest months it benefits from afternoon shade and heavy mulch to keep roots cool.
- Water
- Water 2-3 times per week in summer; mulch heavily to limit watering. Deep root system; avoid waterlogged clay.
- Soil
- Well-drained, fertile, slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.5-7.5); plant on a mound or raised bed in heavy clay.
- Sun exposure
- Full sun (6-8 hours) for best fruiting; light afternoon shade is fine in extreme heat.
Where to buy
- GardenNursery.net
- Trade Winds Fruit