Description

General aspect and origins - Passiflora edulis, which is commonly refered as the purple passion fruit, granadilla, maracuja, or simply passion fruit, is an evergreen vine, that bears the well-known purple and edible passion fruits. This vine is a vigorous climber that may reach 30 feet and more.
Leaves - The purple passion fruit vine has an evergreen deep green and glossy foliage. The leaves are three-lobed, and may reach 10 inches long.
Flowers - The passion fruit vine has ornemental, large and scented white flowers with white and purple filaments. The purple passion fruit is generally self-fertile, unlike the yellow form Passiflora edulis var. flavicarpa. Under glass, the purple passion fruit can be hand pollinated so as to bear fruits.
Fruits - The granadilla is the most common passion fruit that is sold commercially. It is simply refered to "passion fruit". These fruits can be purple (the purple passion fruit) or yellow (Passiflora edulis var. flavicarpa.) The purple passion fruits are generally eaten fresh, while the yellow fruits are used for juice production.

Culture

The purple passion fruit is a vine that can be grown in USDA zones 9b and warmer, as it will withstand brief temperatures of 25°F-28°F. This vine needs a long and warm growing season for the fruits to rippen.
Soil - The purple passion fruit vine prefers a well-drained soil.

Propagation

The passion fruit is generally propagated from seeds, which will sprout from 15 to 45 days.
Soaking seeds in warm water 24 hours before sowing may accelerate the germination process.
Best granadilla varieties can also be propagated by cuttings, or can be grafted.
It is advised to use fresh seeds when sowing passion fruit seeds.

Pests and diseases

The purple passion fruit may be susceptible to nematodes, especially in tropical zones. the yellow form is less susceptible to nematodes.