Horticulturalist Duncan Cocking, who runs Kyneton-based Leaf, Root & Fruit, explains how he’s growing passionfruit in the Macedon Ranges.
I’m often told that you can’t grow passionfruit in Kyneton, but this summer, I am one step closer.
Dozens of flowers are open on the passionfruit vine and some have already set fruit. Many more flower buds are developing and the foliage growth is explosive. With a bit of luck, I will harvest our first homegrown passionfruit this summer. Here are a few tips if you’re wanting to grow them too:
Choose a cold tolerant variety: I’ve gone with Nelly Kelly Black. It’s grafted, which means the plants sucker like crazy. However, I initially planted non-grafted ones and they died. Hopefully the abundance of fruit will offset the pain that is pulling all the suckers out.
Timing of planting is critical: I’ve found that planting in late spring allows the plants to establish before the onset of summer. The vines can grow all summer and harden off before the onset of winter. The frost still knocks them back severely, but at least they’ve put on enough foliage in the first summer of establishment to cope with frost and recover in the second spring. I initially killed quite a few plants by planting at the wrong time of the year. Plant passionfruit at the same time you would normally plant tomatoes.
Select the best microclimate you can find: Mine are growing in my citrus grove against a water tank which provides thermal mass. The vines are protected by a tall hedge from wind and all but the heaviest frosts.
🍋 Find out more in my guide to microclimates (free) and my guide to growing citrus in a cool temperate climate (paywall).
Happy gardening!
Duncan
🍑 For more gardening tips see my latest planting guide and garden update.