About Granadilla
Granadilla, also known as purple passion fruit, has a yellow variety named Passiflora edulis Flavicarpa, also known as guavadilla or quavadilla. They have different characteristics, with the yellow passion fruit typically being more tart and juicy, while the purple passion fruit has sweeter pulp but is less juicy. The yellow passion fruit is fully ripe when shrivelled, so it’s best to let it drop from the tree before picking for optimal flavour.
The two varieties have slight differences in appearance, with the guavadilla having green stems and branches and the purple having purple highlights on the vines. It’s easy to determine the type of passion fruit seedling you have by looking at the colour of its stem. While the varieties can cross-pollinate, sub-varieties can be produced through cuttings, grafting, and air layers that remain true to the type. We are growing yellow and purple granadillas.
Growing Granadilla Plants
Growing Granadilla vines in small garden spaces is possible as they can climb on any available structures and require little maintenance. Both varieties have proven resilient to unconducive weather conditions, including the dry summer drought of 2023. These vines can become heavy, especially when fruiting, so providing strong support is essential. They’re also great for providing privacy by covering fences, pergolas, and rope supports.
Additionally, they can grow on trees, providing shade and protection to other trees while offering large flowers perfect for pollinators. While generally pest-free, mealybugs, scale insects, and fungal infections from other plants may find a home in the sheltered vines. If this happens, it’s best to cut them down until the pests are controlled, but they will grow back to full size within a year in warm subtropics.
Passiflora Edulis Flavicarpa Uses
The granadilla is a versatile fruit that can be used year-round. The fruits can be made into delicious juices, jams, and desserts or eaten fresh as a fruit salad. Combining sweet fruits like sweet granadilla or watermelon with the Passiflora edulis Flavicarpa can add complexity to their flavour. The leaves may be eaten in salads or cooked as a spinach substitute, but they can be bitter. If pesticide-free, they can be blanched with hot water to make pickles or tea. The leaves have soothing alkaloids such as Harman, and the tea is often used as a remedy for insomnia. In addition, the leaves can be used to feed livestock, especially during drought.
The fruits contain vitamins C, A, B, and K and potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus minerals. Also, the passion fruit can help maintain regular bowel movements while the leaves are rich in fibre, vitamins C, B and A, and alkaloids.