Many a "Passi" newcomer (as passion flowers are called by their lovers) is surprised at the great variety of species in the Passiflora family. There are over 500 different species, most of which come from South America and sometimes differ greatly in shape, color and size. Breeding and care also depend on the specific species.
Where can I get seeds?
You can easily obtain the dried seeds of the various passion flower species in the garden center and on the Internet. But be careful: some cunning dealers on well-known internet sales platforms try to sell seeds of Passiflora edulis as an exotic rarity for a lot of money. However, these are normal passion fruit, the fruits of which you can buy for a few cents in almost any supermarket. You can get more than 100 seeds from such a fruit, which are very germinable, especially with this Passiflora species. Incidentally, the same applies to Passiflora ligularis, the grenadilla. Otherwise, you are always well advised to use seeds from well-known brand manufacturers. If you already have one or more passion flowers, you can of course hope for fruit - or simply multiply the plant by cuttings.
Fresh seeds germinate best
Incidentally, for most passion flower species, fresh seeds germinate far better (and faster!) than dried ones. The seed kernels are freed from the pulp surrounding them, sucking them off being a very effective and tasty method - but only for the edible Passiflora species. Now rinse the core carefully and plant it directly in the potting soil, more effort is basically not necessary. Only dried seeds should be soaked in warm water before sowing, some gardeners also swear by warm orange juice. Incidentally, the longer a seed kernel is dried, the longer it takes to germinate. Many a seed has only sprouted after a year of waiting!
tips and tricks
In particular, the Passiflora species from the Australian continent have to be stratified before sowing, but in a different way than you might be used to. Australian passion flower seeds need heat to become viable. That's why you need to simulate a small "bush fire" with the help of matches and some twigs. The Australian species include u. Passiflora aurantia, P. cinnabarina, P. samoensis and P. herbertiana.