GARDEN ZONE
Did You Know ?
The passion fruit vine , known for its spectacular flowers , was potentially named by Christian missionaries due to the resemblance of parts of its flowers to Christian teachings about the resurrection of Christ . The colour of passion fruit varies between purple and golden yellow .
rainfall , with an annual minimum requirement of 1,200mm . In hot areas , it is recommended to plant the vines on cool slopes , while in cooler regions , warm northern slopes are ideal . Maintaining the right temperature is crucial ; the maximum monthly temperature should not exceed 29 ° C , and the minimum should not fall below 5 ° C .
Preparation of the soil is of paramount importance . A depth of at least 800mm is necessary to accommodate the shallow root systems that granadilla plants develop in compacted soil . Proper soil preparation enhances drainage , a critical consideration given the plant ’ s vulnerability to overly wet conditions . Clay soils should be avoided as they can lead to root rot . To avert this issue , monthly watering with Anti-rot phosacid is recommended . Aphids can also pose a problem by spreading a virus that causes mottled leaves ; regrettably , this condition is incurable , necessitating the removal of the affected vine and a fresh start .
When preparing the soil , it is essential to incorporate lime , phosphate , and calcium into the root zone . Granadilla plants are typically grown from seedlings . However , if seeds are your choice , ensure they are sourced from ripe fruit harvested from healthy plants . Extract the seeds from a cut granadilla , wash them to separate the seeds and pulp , then dry the seeds in the shade . Plant them in seedling trays or planting bags filled
63 MARKtoe ! November 2023