How to Propagate Passion Flowers

The passion flower produces large, colorful blooms.

The passion flower produces fruit, about the size of a chicken egg, that contains seeds. The plant can be grown throughout the world, but should be protected by mulch through harsh winter temperatures. The passion flower is about 3 inches in diameter, can grow into 15-foot-long vines and produces beautiful, large flowers. The easiest way to propagate this plant is by taking cuttings during the summer. Propagation can be accomplished by seeding, but this can take several months to a year. Anyone can propagate a passion flower; it just takes a little effort.

Things You'll Need

• Pruning shears
• Rooting hormone
• Small pot
• Sand
• Vermiculite
• Wooden stakes
• Clear plastic

Instructions

1. Snip a stem that contains at least two leaves and two leaf nodes off the passion flower. The cutting should be about 6 inches long. Try to take a stem that has not produced any flowers in the most recent year.

2. Remove leaves from the bottom section. Cut down the upper leaves to about half their size.

3. Dip the passion flower cutting in rooting hormone to help it grow.

4. Plant the cutting in a pot with a mixture of sand and vermiculite. Water the plant thoroughly, but do not make the soil too soggy.

5. Cover the plant with clear plastic to retain humidity and create a greenhouse effect. Use wooden stakes in the soil so the plastic does not touch the leaves.

6. Place the cutting in a partially sunny area. It can take up to two to three weeks for the plant to develop roots.Tug on the plant. If it resists, it's developing roots. Keep the plant inside for the winter until it's well established, then replant in the spring.

Tips & Warnings

• Water the cutting only when the soil feels dry. If it's watered too much, it will rot and die.

• Do not place the cutting in direct sun or it will dry out from the plastic.

References

• Passion Flower