Growing Style

Passion fruit is a delicious, versatile, attractive vine well-suited for Florida gardens. 

This article will guide you through the process of growing passion fruit, highlighting different cultivars available in Florida, such as Possum Purple (Passiflora edulis), Yellow Sunrise, and XXL Passionfruit (Passiflora quadrangularis).

Additionally, learn how to transform a regular oak or non-fruiting tree into a fruit-producing tree by planting passion fruit vines at the base. 

Finally, explore the health benefits of including passion fruit in your garden and how to care for the plant from seed to fruiting.

Good Products For Growing Passionfruits

• Osmocote
• Azomite – Organic Micronutrients & Fertilizer
• Organic Kelp Spray

Passion Fruit Quick Care Guide

Common Name(s)	Passion Fruit, Purple Granadilla, Yellow Passion Fruit
Scientific Name	Passiflora edulis
Days to Harvest	12-18 months from seed or cutting, with fruit production within the first year.
Light	Full sun to partial shade, with best fruit production in full sun.
Water	Water regularly, maintaining consistently moist but not waterlogged soil.
Soil	Passion fruit prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5.
Fertilizer	Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer, such as Osmocote + or Azomite during the growing season.
Pests	Aphids, caterpillars, spider mites, and stink bugs
Diseases	Fungal diseases such as brown spot, leaf spot, and root rot

Passion Fruit Varieties in Florida

1. Possum Purple: A popular variety in Florida, producing deep purple fruit with a sweet, non-tart flavor.
2. Yellow Sunrise: Known for its yellow skin and slightly larger size, this variety has a mild, sweet flavor.
3. Passiflora quadrangularis (XXL passion fruit): A supersized square-shaped passionfruit with a sweet and tangy taste. The rind is even edible and taste like cantaloupe. 

Turning a Non-Fruiting Tree into a Fruit Tree with Passion Fruit Vines

By planting passion fruit vines at the base of an oak or non-fruiting tree, the vines can climb up the tree, effectively turning the tree into a fruit-producing one. 

This approach can enhance the aesthetics and fruit productivity of your garden, and overall drive beneficial insects to your fruit forest. 

Planting and Caring for Passion Fruit: Seed to Fruit

Planting

1. Select a suitable location: Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Passion fruit prefers slightly acidic soil, with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5.
2. Plant seeds, seedlings, or cuttings: You can start from seeds, plant seedlings, or rooted cuttings purchased from a reputable nursery. Ensure you select healthy seedlings, free from any diseases or pests.

Growth and Maintenance

1. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid over-watering, as this can cause root rot.
2. Fertilizing: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer every two to three months during the growing season. A good tropical fruit tree fertilizer will promote healthy growth.
3. Pruning: Prune the vines to promote air circulation and remove any dead or diseased branches.
4. Support: Provide support for the vines using a trellis, fence, or another sturdy structure.

Flowering and Fruiting

1. Hand pollination: Passion fruit vines may need hand pollination to ensure a good fruit set. Gently transfer pollen from the anther to the stigma. This can be done using a soft brush or even pollen pads, also known as the anther.
2. Harvesting: Fruit is ready to harvest when the skin is wrinkled, and the fruit is slightly soft to the touch.

Health Benefits of Passion Fruit

1. High in antioxidants: Passion fruit is rich in vitamins A and C, which may help neutralize free radicals in the body and support a healthy immune system.
2. Good source of fiber: A single passion fruit contains around 2 grams of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut.
3. Heart-healthy: The potassium content in passion fruit may help regulate blood pressure and support cardiovascular health.

Including passion fruit in your garden provides not only a beautiful, productive plant but also a nutritious and versatile fruit. 

Explore more about tropical fruit gardening to make the most of your Florida garden, and consider adding other fruit trees such as sugar apples, mangos, or mamey sapote. 

If you have limited space, consider container gardening for tropical fruits.

Companion Planting and Pest Control

Companion planting can enhance the health and productivity of your passion fruit vines. 

Planting herbs and flowers, such as marigolds, basil, and nasturtiums, can help deter pests and attract beneficial insects.

Keep an eye out for common pests, such as caterpillars, aphids, and spider mites. You can use organic pest control methods, like neem oil or insecticidal soap, to manage infestations.

Maximizing Your Harvest and Enjoying the Fruit

To get the most out of your passion fruit harvest, ensure you provide proper care and follow the guidelines mentioned above. 

Once you have harvested the fruit, you can enjoy it fresh or use it in a variety of recipes, including smoothies, salads, desserts, and beverages.

My favorite way to enjoy passionfruit is to eat it with a miracle berry – that way they taste extra sweet.

Conclusion

Growing passion fruit in Florida offers numerous benefits, from its attractive appearance to its delightful flavor and impressive health properties. 

With some care and attention, you can enjoy bountiful harvests and add a touch of the tropics to your garden. 

Explore more about growing rare and unusual tropical fruits in Florida to further diversify your garden and enjoy a range of exotic flavors.

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is a large, tropical fruit native to South Asia, known for its unique flavor and versatility in both sweet and savory dishes. 

Florida’s climate provides the perfect environment for growing jackfruit, and this guide will help you learn about the different varieties, how to care for the trees, and how to harvest and use the fruit.

Good Products For Growing Jackfruit

• Osmocote Smart-Release Plant Food Plus 
• Azomite Organic Fertilizer Trace Mineral Powder 44LB Micronized
• Neem Bliss – Pure Neem Oil for Plants – Organic
• Florikan 14-14-14 Plus Controlled Release Fertilizer

Jackfruit Quick Care Guide

Common Name(s)	Jackfruit, Yaca
Scientific Name	Artocarpus heterophyllus
Days to Harvest	4-7 years + fruit from seed.
Light	Full sun for best fruit production
Water	Water regularly, ensuring consistently moist but not waterlogged soil
Soil	Jackfruit grows in various types of soil as long as it is well-draining.
Fertilizer	Slow-release fertilizer specifically formulated for tropical fruit trees such as Osmocote or Florikan
Pests	Scale insects, Mealybugs, Fruit flies
Diseases	Stem dieback, Root rot, Fruit rot

A Short History of Jackfruit

Jackfruit is believed to have originated in the rainforests of India, and it has been cultivated for thousands of years in South and Southeast Asia. 

The fruit made its way to the Americas during the 16th century when Portuguese explorers introduced it to Brazil.

Today, jackfruit trees thrive in tropical and subtropical climates around the world, including Florida.

Varieties of Jackfruit

There are two main types of jackfruit based on the texture of the fruit’s flesh: the soft variety and the crunchy variety. 

Soft jackfruit has a juicy, tender texture, while crunchy jackfruit is firmer and less juicy. Both types come in a range of flavors, from sweet to subtly savory.

In Florida, some popular varieties of jackfruit that can be ordered online are

• Cheena – jackfruit x Chempedak cross
• Tommy Morrison Red – orange variety jackfruit
• Banana Crunch – crunchy variety
• Black Gold
• Borneo Red
• Cochin (Dwarf)
• Golden Nugget
• Honey Gold (Dwarf Tree)
• J-31
• Lemon Gold
• Mai 1
• Mai 2

Caring for Jackfruit Trees in Florida

Growing jackfruit in Florida requires proper care and attention to ensure a healthy tree and bountiful harvests. Some key aspects of jackfruit tree care include:

1. Mulching: Applying a layer of mulch around the base of the tree helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Use organic materials like wood chips, leaves, or grass clippings for the best results.
2. Fertilizing: Use a slow-release fertilizer specifically formulated for tropical fruit trees to provide essential nutrients for growth and fruit production.
3. Watering: Jackfruit trees require constant watering, especially during the establishment phase. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged.
4. Foliar Sprays: Applying foliar sprays can help prevent and manage diseases like stem dieback, a common problem for jackfruit trees in Florida.

Harvesting and Using Jackfruit

When the jackfruit is ripe, its color changes from green to yellowish-brown, and it emits a strong, sweet aroma. Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the fruit from the tree, being careful not to damage the stem.

To cut the jackfruit, follow these steps:

1. Place the fruit on a clean surface and cut it in half lengthwise.
2. Cut each half into smaller sections, following the lines of the fruit’s segments.
3. Use a knife or your fingers to separate the flesh from the seeds and the fibrous core.

Jackfruit can be used in a variety of dishes, both sweet and savory. The ripe fruit can be eaten fresh, added to fruit salads, or used in desserts. Unripe jackfruit can be cooked as a vegetable, often as a meat substitute in curries or stews.

My favorite way to eat jackfruit as a dessert is loading them with sweet sticky rice with coconut milk drizzled on top, as I did here.

Growing Jackfruit in Containers

For gardeners with limited space or who wish to move their trees indoors during colder months, container gardening is a viable option for growing jackfruit.

Choose a large container with drainage holes and fill it with a high-quality potting mix. Ensure the tree receives adequate sunlight and proper care, as mentioned in the earlier section on caring for jackfruit trees.

Tools for Fruit Tree Gardening in Florida

To successfully grow and maintain jackfruit and other fruit trees in Florida, it’s essential to have the right tools. Some must-have tools for fruit tree gardening include:

1. Pruning shears or loppers for trimming branches
2. A sturdy ladder for reaching taller trees
3. A sharp knife for harvesting fruit
4. A watering can or hose with an adjustable nozzle for controlled watering
5. Protective gloves for handling fruit and branches

Other Tropical Fruit Trees to Grow in Florida

Jackfruit is just one of the many tropical fruit trees that thrive in Florida’s climate. If you’re interested in expanding your fruit tree collection, consider growing some of these other tropical fruits:

• Mango
• Custard apple
• Jaboticaba
• Sugar apple
• Atemoya
• Cherimoya
• Soursop

For more information on growing a variety of tropical fruit trees in Florida, check out this beginner’s guide to tropical fruit gardening and this guide on growing rare and unusual tropical fruits.

Conclusion

Growing jackfruit in Florida can be rewarding, providing you with an abundant harvest of this unique and versatile fruit.

By following the tips and recommendations in this guide, you can ensure the success of your jackfruit tree and enjoy the fruits of your labor for years to come.

Don’t forget to explore other tropical fruit trees that thrive in Florida, and consider adding a few more to your garden to create a diverse and delicious fruit tree paradise.