Passionfruit Black Beauty has white and purple flowers that are 5-8cm across, an attraction in themselves. Formed on current season's wood and will flower in the first year.
Plant in full sun to part shade. Passionfruit plants like warm climates, and are, relatively frost tender but will grow back from the base if burnt lightly from frost. Vines need adequate moisture particularly while young and when fruits are maturing.
Passionfruit need a light well drained soil. Any water logging will rot these plants. If you do have a heavy soil plant in a mound to make sure there is good drainage or plant in a large pot or wine barrel. Mulch to retain moisture, keep roots cool and suppress weeds. Make sure the mulch is kept away from the stem.
Provide support as passionfruit are climbers and it needs to be strong enough to take weight when fully grown.
Passionfruit are heavy feeders use a citrus feed in three equal amounts during the growing season - early spring, summer and early autumn.
Passionfruit Black Beauty is self fertile. Flowers are only open for the day and start to wilt by the afternoon. Passionfruit also needs warm temperatures to be fertile. Passionfruit plants are insect pollinated, therefore adverse weather conditions during flowering may affect fruit set.
Harvest when the fruit changes from green to dark purple, from February to June.
As fruit is formed on current seasons wood prune in early spring to encourage new growth. Train the vine up a fence or wall removing all laterals until it reaches the height you require then pinch out the top. Pruning establishes framework of leaders from which laterals can grow. Cutting out some of the denser growth allows better air circulation and fruit development the following season.
