Banana Passion Fruit
A native to the Andes in mid to high elevations, the banana passion fruit has been grown around the subtropical and tropical world for its beautiful large pink flowers and it’s uniquely oblong banana-shaped fruits. A bit hardier than many of the other subtropical Passiflora species, the banana passion fruit can take frost down to the mid 20’s and potentially resprout from the roots at temperatures down to 20º F. Fruits from this vine are typically not as highly esteemed as the Passiflora edulis varieties, but it is an excellent choice for making juice and can be grown in slightly colder climates.
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 mollissima
Site and Soil: 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: Giant Granadilla Passion Fruit is self-fertile
Hardiness: Hardy to ~25º F.
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: 9b-12