Passionflower

Name:
*Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)


Description:
*best in zones 6-9
*there are about 400 species: some are ornamental, some are climbers, others produce fruit, etc.
*a beautiful, exotic-looking perennial

Parts Used:
*leaves and flowers, fresh or dried
*if the fruit-bearing ones, you can eat the fruit

Position:
*prefers light, acidic soil
*needs warm, sunny position

Propagation:
*propagation by seed is very difficult: the best solution is to stratify the seeds in moist peat moss in the refrigerator for one week, then sow seeds indoors in a very warm greenhouse. Germination is low, only around 30 percent
*another technique mentioned is to soak the seeds in warm water for anywhere between 1 hour to 1 week, then plant
*another technique that I have read about is to scarify the seeds, THEN soak them in warm water
*you can also propagate (more easily) by tip cuttings taken in the summer. Use a liquid rooting hormone and keep the cuttings warm and moist until the rootings appear in approx. 2 weeks

Maintenance:
*provide trellis support for the vines
*mulch the plants well
*shape and prune the vine as necessary in the spring

Harvesting:
*harvest the aerial parts in mid to late summer and air-dry for medicinal purposes
*for culinary purposes, pick the fruits at the "dropping" stage of its growth

Medicinal:
*this plant makes people feel calm and relaxed
*it is excellent for anxiety, depression, and insomnia
*it is often used as a pain reliever

Cooking:
*the seeds and the pulp of ripe fruits have a tangy flavor and can be eaten raw or used in fruit salads, desserts, jams, and fruit drinks
*Hurricane: a cocktail made with passionfruit syrup, rum, and lime juice

For more information, see: references and warnings