Passiflora incarnata seeds (Maypop)

Description

This Eastern North American native passiflora is one of the hardiest of its genus. Grows to 2-6 m depending on soil and sun. Exotic honey sweet scented flowers are followed by delicious apricot sized fruit with a very complex citrus taste. Lobed leaves. Aerial parts used as a medicinal. Passiflora cannot tolerate water logged or standing water so ensure good drainage. Easy to grow; fast grower. Becomes a woody climber in warm climates and herbaceous in colder ones. Mulch in fall; cut down dead vines; fertilize in early spring.  Will spread via underground runners.  Watch for slugs. Earns the common name “Maypop” as the new vines pop up in May. Not very creative, but there it is.

• Seed Count: 8-10
• Collection Date: Nov 2023
• Hardiness Zone: 6-9
• Height and Width: 2-6m in all directions
• Germination test type: cut; float

How to germinate Passiflora incarnata seeds:

Break dormancy: 48 hour fruit juice soak. Old juice best as the juice should be allowed to ferment.  I found seeds soaked 24 hrs in beer, cider or wine germinate best as this mimics the natural ferment seed experience when sitting in fallen fruit. Once soaked, sow 6 mm deep. Opt. germ. temp: 20-25C. Keep moist; clear cover gives better success. Days to germ: 5-45. Habitat: full sun, well draining fertile garden soil. Mulch in fall; cut down dead vines; fertilize in early spring. Water sparingly; bigger roots = bigger plants; spreads via under-ground roots. Edible fruit; aerial parts medicinal as a pain killer.  I’ve had seed germinate the following spring so don’t turf the germination pot.