Passion Fruit Seeds - Passiflora edulis

10, 11

USDA Zones 10-11 - Grows as a perennial vine. Passion fruit is very sensitive to cold and will not tolerate frost.

Best performance in Zones 10-11 where it can be grown outdoors year-round. In all other zones, it must be grown as a warm-season annual or as a container plant that is brought indoors for winter.

Northern Zones (2-9) - Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date. Do not transplant outdoors until all danger of frost has passed and night temperatures are consistently above 60F. Can be grown in a large container and moved indoors to a sunny window for the winter.

Hot Climate Zones (10-11) - Can be direct sown or transplanted outdoors in early spring. Will thrive with a long, warm, and humid growing season.

Soil Temperature - Requires warm soil for germination, with an optimal temperature of 75-85F. Seeds can be slow and erratic to germinate.

Growing Season - Requires 90-120 days to maturity from transplanting, making it suitable for growing as an annual in most climates.

Learn more about USDA Hardiness Zones here

When to Plant:
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost date. Passion fruit seeds can be slow and challenging to germinate, so be patient. Do not plant outdoors until all danger of frost has passed and night temperatures are consistently above 60F.

Location and Soil:
Choose a location that receives full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day). Passion fruit is a heavy feeder and requires rich, well-draining soil with a good amount of organic matter. A soil pH between 6.5 and 7.5 is ideal.

Starting Seeds:

Seed Preparation: The seeds have a very hard coat. Gently scarify them by lightly sanding or nicking the seed coat. Soaking the seeds in warm water for 24-48 hours can also help.

Fill seed starting trays or pots with a well-draining seed starting mix.

Sow seeds about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep.

Lightly cover the seeds with soil and gently water.

Place the trays on a heat mat to maintain a consistent warm temperature. Germination can take anywhere from 3 weeks to several months.

Transplanting Outdoors:

Harden off seedlings for 7-10 days before transplanting to acclimate them to outdoor conditions.

Install a strong trellis, arbor, or fence for the vine to climb.

Space plants 10-12 feet apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth.

Water thoroughly after transplanting.

Care and Maintenance:

Watering: Provide consistent and deep watering, especially during dry periods. Water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and prevent fungal diseases.

Fertilizing: Amend the soil with compost before planting. Use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.

Pruning: Prune the vines to keep them contained and to encourage new growth and flowering.

Pollination: Hand pollination may be necessary for successful fruit set, especially for indoor plants.

Winter Care: In colder zones, bring container plants indoors to a sunny location before the first frost. Reduce watering during the winter.

Pests and Diseases: Watch for common pests like aphids and spider mites. Good air circulation is essential to prevent fungal issues.