The Propagation of Passiflora

Propagate a passiflora with seeds or cuttings.

A passiflora, also called passionflower, is a perennial vine that grows up to 15 feet long. Propagate a passiflora cultivar by sowing seeds or taking stem cuttings. Seed germination occurs in two to eight weeks, depending on the age of the seed. Stem rooting occurs in four to six weeks.

Propagation

Seed propagation requires scarring the seed with sandpaper before sowing in a tray filled with seed-starting soil. Stem cutting propagation requires cutting a section of softwood stem during the spring season and sticking it into a propagation tray filled with a mixture of sharp sand and sphagnum moss.

Care

Place the seed propagation tray in an area with a temperature of approximately 68 degrees Fahrenheit at night and 86 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. Stem cutting propagation prefers an even temperature of 68 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Monitor the growing medium moisture so it remains moist, but not wet, during propagation.

Transplant

Transplant a seed or stem-propagated seedling into individual growing containers once the roots are a minimum of 1 inch long. Transplant the new plants outdoors after one year of growth. This gives the passiflora enough time to mature and grow a strong stem. Gradually introduce the new plants to the outdoors before transplanting them into a garden.

References

• University of Florida: The Passion Fruit
• California Rare Fruit Growers: Passion Fruit
• The Passion Flower Seed Company: Passion Flower