Passionfruit Banana

When to Sow

• Warm climates, QLD, NT, northern WA, northern NSW: Year round, but best in spring or early summer.  
• Temperate regions, southern NSW, VIC, SA, southern WA: Spring to early summer after frosts.  
• Cool climates, TAS, highland areas: Start indoors in late winter, transplant after frost risk has passed.  

Direct Sowing

Best for warm, frost free areas where soil stays above 15°C.  

• Prepare the Soil
• Choose a sunny, well draining spot as passionfruit hates wet feet.  
• Loosen soil to 30cm deep, mix in compost or aged manure.  
• pH should be 6.5 – 7.5. Add lime if too acidic, sulphur if too alkaline.  

Sowing Seeds:

• Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours to soften the hard coat.  
• Plant 2–3 seeds 1cm deep, 30cm apart.
• Thin later to the strongest seedling.  
• Water gently but keep soil moist not soggy.  

Germination & Care:

• Seeds sprout in 2–4 weeks.  
• Mulch lightly to retain moisture and suppress weeds.  
• Once seedlings are 10cm tall, thin to one per spot.  

Starting in Trays

Better for Cooler Areas and gives seedlings a head start before transplanting.  

Seed Raising Mix:

• Use a light, well draining mix (avoid heavy garden soil).  

Sowing in Trays:

• Fill trays or small pots with mix.  
• Plant seeds 1cm deep, 1–2 per cell.  
• Water gently, cover with a humidity dome or plastic wrap until germination.  

Germination Conditions:

• Keep trays warm (20–25°C is ideal).  
• Place in bright, indirect light such as a sunny windowsill or under grow lights.  
• Remove cover once sprouts appear, usually 2–4 weeks.  

Transplanting:

• When seedlings have 4–6 true leaves and roots fill the pot, about 6–8 weeks old, harden them off for a week before planting out.  
• Transplant into prepared soil, spacing vines 2–3m apart as they need room to sprawl.  

 Growing On: Care & Maintenance  

Support & Training:

• Passionfruit vines are climbers — provide a strong trellis, fence, or pergola.  
• Train young vines by gently tying them to the support until they start gripping.  

Watering:

• Keep soil consistently moist (but not waterlogged) during establishment.  
• Once established, water deeply 2–3 times a week in dry spells.  

Fertilising:

• Feed monthly with a balanced fertiliser, such as a citrus or tomato feed.  
• Add potash when flowering starts to boost fruit set.  

Pruning:

• Prune in late winter to remove dead or overcrowded growth.  
• Encourages new shoots (fruit forms on new growth).  

  Pests & Problems  

• Fruit fly: Use traps or netting in affected areas, common in QLD and NSW.  
• Scale & aphids: Spray with white oil or soapy water.  
• Root rot: Ensure good drainage — avoid overwatering.  
• Poor fruiting: Hand pollinate flowers using a small brush if bees aren’t active.  

 Harvesting  

• Fruit ripens 2 – 3 months after flowering.  
• Purple varieties turn deep purple and fall when ripe.  
• Yellow types stay on the vine longer—pick when fully yellow and slightly wrinkled.  

  Final Tips  

• Full sun = best fruit production.  
• Protect from frost as young vines will die back, but established plants may recover.  
• Passionfruit can take 12–18 months to fruit from seed—be patient!