Passiflora ligularis (Sweet Granadilla) is a fast-growing climber that is native to tropical regions of Central and South America. The Sweet Granadilla produces a delicious, sweet orange-yellow fruit and blooms large purple flowers throughout Summer. It is also used in its native regions for a range of traditional medicinal purposes and as a popular beverage.
Suitable for Temperate (as an annual), Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates.
Passiflora ligularis is also commonly known as Grenadia, Peruvian Passionfruit or Sugarfruit and is regarded by some as the best tasting of all passionfruit varieties. The native range is predominantly tropical and ranges from Mexico to Bolivia throughout Latin America.
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Growth
Passiflora ligularis is a tropical perennial evergreen that can grow to a maximum length of around 25 metres (82 feet). The Sweet Granadilla vine thrives in warm temperatures and moist, nutrient-dense soils that are supported by a sturdy trellis. Despite their tropical preference, they can tolerate a very light frost but is susceptible to damage when temperatures drop below 5°C /41°F.
When started early, temperate growers can achieve a full fruiting season outside prior to Winter but even better results are achieved if it is grown as a bi-annual. The first season being kept in a portable pot to collect full sunlight and then protected over the Winter, before being planted in the second Spring and harvested later that Summer. In warmer climates, the challenge is to keep theses aggressive climbers trimmed back to avoid serious backyard takeovers.
Plants grow quickly in warm, moist conditions in full sun with soil that is well-drained. The ideal temperatures range from 20-30°C / 68-86°F during the day. During the first season, they will require a trellis or similar to climb upon and to prune off any flowers to encourage plant growth and to avoid any late Autumn damage.
In tropical conditions, Sweet Granadilla can start producing fruit within their first growing season but in temperate climates usually takes between 18-24 months.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
For additional information visit our Growers Notes page or the list of the best gardening websites or check out the article about how to use your waste at home as a natural fertiliser.
FAMILY:
Passifloraceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate to Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
5-30°C / 41-86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 25m (82 feet).
WIDTH:
Up to 25m (82 feet)
pH:
5.5-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial. Annual or Bi-annual in cooler climates.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium
POLLINATION:
Bees, Birds, Insects.
MATURITY:
12-24 months
GERMINATION RATES:
65-75%
GERMINATION TIME:
Soak for 24 hours and then 4-6 weeks at temperatures between 20-25°C/68-77°F.
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 10
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
None.
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 3 years.
FACTS ABOUT PASSIFLORA LIGULARIS (Sweet Granadilla)
The fruits of Passiflora ligularis are very aromatic and contain Vitamins A, C and K as well as providing a source of phosphorus, calcium and iron.
Leaves of Sweet Granadilla contain toxic compounds and should not be ingested orally or used topically on the skin. There are currently no traditional or modern medicinal applications of any part of the plant.
A Peruvian cocktail called Maracuyá Sour is made using Sweet Granadilla pulp, lime juice, ice cubes, syrup, Angostura Bitters and a native alcoholic beverage called Pisco.
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