Passionfruit

Passionfruit are self-fertile plants: their flowers have male and female parts that, with the help of bees and other pollinators, will rub each other enough to pollinate itself. That being said, if this plant is grown entirely indoors, or in a setting where pollinators do not have access to the flowers, you may need to pollinate it yourself using a paintbrush or toothbrush.

Passiflora thrives in full sun, needing at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. South or west facing patios and balconies tend to result in the best growth. Adequate sunlight promotes healthy growth and abundant flowering, as well as setting healthy and juicy fruit. Rotate the pot occasionally to ensure even light exposure on all sides.

Passiflora are native to Brazil and Argentina, and thrive in hot and humid climates, often considered a semi-tropical plant. While they do not like to be water-logged, they do appreciate soil that is consistently moist. In the cooler months, reduce watering slightly to allow the soil to dry out a bit more between waterings.

Fertilizing passionfruit plants is essential to ensure they receive adequate nutrients for healthy growth and bud production. You should fertilize your plant regularly during the growing season, which typically spans from spring to early fall. Apply the fertilizer every 4-6 weeks, but avoid over-fertilizing, as excessive nutrients can lead to excessive foliage but poor fruit production.

Caper plants have a dormant period during the cooler months, especially in regions with distinct seasons. During this time, growth slows down, and the plant may shed some of its leaves. While they don't necessarily need chill hours like some fruit trees do to break dormancy and set fruit, they do benefit from a period of reduced watering and less frequent fertilization during their dormancy.

Harvesting capers involves plucking the immature flower buds before they fully open. The optimal time to harvest capers is when they are still small and firm, typically about the size of a pea. This stage ensures the best flavor and texture. Harvesting can be done throughout the growing season, but it's best to check the plant regularly for mature buds, as they can quickly overripen and become too large or open. Use small scissors or your fingers to carefully remove the caper buds from the stem, being mindful not to damage the plant. Rinse the harvested capers thoroughly and preserve them in brine or vinegar for culinary use.

Prune in early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged vines and cut back overgrown or tangled stems to maintain a manageable size. You can trim back vigorous shoots to control its spread and encourage flowering. Pinching back young growth during the growing season will promote bushier growth and help keep the plant compact.

Pests and disease often vary greatly by region. In terms of insects, neem oil can combat many problems. If you are unsure, send us a photo of your plant and the problem, and we'll do our best to identify it and suggest more specific solutions!