Passiflora is a family of plants with over 500 different species, most of which are native to South America. The passion fruit, which is often used in this country for multi-fruit juices, also belongs to this genus and, by the way, can be cultivated perfectly from the seeds of bought, ripe fruits. However, the passion flowers are popular because of their wonderful, unusual flowers, which - depending on the type and variety - shine in a wide variety of colors. In addition, the plants are very easy to grow from seed and often flower in the first year. Their maintenance is quite uncomplicated.

Can the passion flower be cultivated as a houseplant?

Many passion flowers can be kept in the room without any problems, but should be assigned a bright and draught-free location. However, Passiflora feels most comfortable in a warm and sheltered spot in the garden or on the balcony. However, cat owners should think twice before cultivating them, because the plant is poisonous to their four-legged friends.

Does the passion flower have to be watered a lot?

Passion flowers must not dry out under any circumstances, which is why the substrate is best mulched well. Mulching prevents the soil from drying out, for example due to strong sunlight, and can also be carried out on potted plants. Water the passion flower regularly and plentifully, but if possible do not wet the leaves or the flowers. Avoid waterlogging, for example with good drainage in the pot. The plant pot should definitely have several holes in the bottom so that excess water can drain off.

How often and with what should I fertilize the passion flower?

In terms of fertilization, the passion flower is quite undemanding, a commercially available universal or flowering plant fertilizer is sufficient. (10.47€) Give this every 14 days during the vegetation period together with the irrigation water. Alternatively, of course, long-term fertilizers are also recommended, then don't forget to fertilize. In winter, Passiflora kept indoors get about a quarter of the usual amount, while cool wintered specimens are not fertilized at all.

Can I repot the passion flower?

Basically, it is sufficient if perennial passion flowers are cultivated in a pot of about 20 to 30 centimeters in diameter. The plants usually flower better in smaller pots, while in larger pots they grow better and develop more leaves, but also flower less frequently. However, if your Passiflora gets too cramped, repot it in spring.

When and how should the passion flower be cut?

Passion flowers should be cut back vigorously in early spring - around February / March - as the flowers usually appear on new shoots. Shorten the side shoots of the passion flower to about 10 centimeters and the main shoot to 15 to 20 centimeters. Use a sharp and clean (risk of infection!) knife or scissors. Incidentally, cutting the shoot tips in good time also causes the passion flower to branch out more.

Which diseases are common in the passion flower?

High humidity, especially when wintering in a warm room, often leads to mildew or botrytis / gray mold infestation in passion flowers. Both fungi primarily cause a whitish to greyish coating on the leaves, which spreads quickly and must be removed and disposed of immediately due to the high risk of infection. At least against powdery mildew, spraying garlic or nettle juice or a mixture of fresh whole milk and water (ratio 1:10) helps. In the case of waterlogging, various bacteria and fungi settle in the substrate, which ultimately causes the roots of the passion flower to mold and rot.

Which pests do I have to watch out for in the passion flower?

Plant lice such as mealybugs and mealybugs can become a problem, especially with passion flowers cultivated indoors, and an infestation with spider mites is not uncommon. These pests appear when the air is too dry, which is why you can prevent them quite well by regularly spraying the leaves and shoots of the passion flower. Otherwise, the leaves are very popular with ants: if the passion flower is in the garden, the little crawlies like to nibble on the greens.

What kind of climbing aid does the passion flower need?

Passion flowers are climbing plants and therefore absolutely need a climbing aid. A round arch makes sense for Passiflora kept indoors, as this cleverly accommodates the otherwise huge growth height of the plant in a smaller space. A metal grid is recommended for passion flowers in the garden or on the balcony.

Is the passion flower hardy?

No, because the passion flower comes from tropical or subtropical climate zones and absolutely needs a frost-free winter. Even the varieties declared by some dealers as "hardy" need a lot of protection and really shouldn't be kept out - which the same dealers often admit in the fine print themselves.

How can I overwinter the passion flower?

Like many plants, the passion flower is grateful for a winter break. Overwintering should take place in a frost-free but cool and bright room in the house, conservatory or greenhouse. Water the Passiflora little and stop fertilizing as early as August.

tips and tricks

Almost all passion flowers are perennial, with one exception: the very delicate, white-flowered Passiflora gracilis does not need much care and reliably produces many fruits from which you can then obtain the seeds for the following year.

Category:

Vegetable garden