PASSION FLOWER VINE Passiflora vitifolia

Passiflora vitifolia, the perfumed passionflower, is native to southern Central America (Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama) and northwestern South America (Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru).

The attractive flowers are bright red, up to 9 cm diameter!

The fruit is a berry 5 cm long and 3 cm broad, with green flesh speckled with white. The fruit is quite sour when it falls off the plant and can take a month to ripen to its full flavor of sour strawberries.

Hardiness zones: 9-11

Type: Climbing Vine

Location: Sun or part sun

Note: Parts of this plant are poisonous. Only the ripe orange-yellow fruits should be eaten.

Seeds per pack: 3

Germination: Lightly rub the hard seed coat with sandpaper to help water pernitrate. Soak seeds in water for 24 hours before planting. Place seeds just below the soil surface, and place the container is a warm location 21-29C (72-85F). Cover the pot with clear plastic to help retain moisture. Germination can occur within 4 weeks to 6 months. Keep warm, as cool soils will significantly delay seed germination time if not inhibit germination altogether. Standard room temperature can be too cool for proper germination. Once seedlings sprout, remove the plastic, and place the pot in a sunny location.