Edible Passion Fruit Plants

Passiflora edulis, Purple Passion Fruit Plants

White flowers and filaments, which are purple at the base. It is possible, but not easy, to get good ripe fruit from it, so most people grow it as an ornamental. 
This vigorous climber is frost tender, and doesn't like temperatures below about 10C. To 8 metres.

Browse our range of passion flower plants.

Features

• Colour: Mostly white flowers with a purple ring formed by the base of the filaments. 
• Edible fruit (in ideal conditions, see below)
• Size: 8m x 3m
• Flowering: June-August
• Frost tender

Growing Passion Fruit

We do not want to get anyone's hopes up regarding the fruit.

This is a tropical / subtropical plant that needs everything to go right for it in order to set fruit that ripens before the season is over, which is not likely to happen outdoors outside of Cornwall and Dorset.

Really well drained soil is essential, as is full sun and shelter from winds. 

John Edmiston, expert in growing tropical plants in Britain, has this to say:

"Edible Passionfruit is something of a challenge in the UK ... it is not hardy and must be kept frost-free... when it is young and still relatively small it can be overwintered in a well-lit kitchen or bathroom although care should be taken to make sure it is not over-watered at this time – in fact, any watering at all during the dark winter months is risky and the plants should be given a good last water in November then kept dry-ish until the early Spring.

Once Spring growth recommences, it is usually vigourous and the vines need good support in a well-lit but not overly dry environment. Sun-rooms and conservatories are often too dry and you may need to move this temperamental Goldilocks plant around until you find the right spot for it.
This of course is not exactly practical for a climbing plant so in the early first years a largish pot with its own small trellis or support canes is often a good solution.

Sun and humidity are the ideal combination. When in full growth, water and feed it well. Regular applications of seaweed and liquid potassium-rich fertiliser will steer it towards flowers and perhaps…maybe… one day… fruit!"