Water Lemon Passion Fruit
An interesting Passiflora species that is not seen as often as the Passiflora edulis selections, but has uniquely handsome foliage and delicious fruit. Often referred to as Water Lemons as they have a more watery consistency to their pulp than some passion fruits and a flavor that is less acidic than many. The pulp can be slurped right out of the fruit with ease and has a sweet delicious flavor.
Passion fruit has a multitude of uses, from juices to cocktails as well as baked goods and ice cream toppings. The possibilities are endless. Add fresh passion fruit to any dish that needs some tropical sweet tang added to it! Given the difficulty of finding fresh passion fruit in most of our local markets it only makes sense to grow your own if you want to taste this tropical treat on a regular basis!
Latin Name: Passiflora laurifolia
Site and Soil: Water Lemon passion fruit prefers full to half day sun. Well draining soil is extremely important and soil pH should be between 6.5 and 7.5 and rich in organic matter
Pollination Requirements: Self-fertile
Hardiness: Reportedly hardy to 30º F., once established but we recommend giving it a mostly frost free environment
Bearing Age: 1-2 years after planting
Size at Maturity: 20-30 feet in ground, smaller in pots
Bloom Time: Will bloom continually under ideal conditions
Ripening Time: Will fruit continually under ideal conditions
Pests & Diseases: Nematodes and snails can be a problem when passion fruit is planted in ground and is susceptible to Fusarium wilt disease
USDA Zone: 10a