Position – Plant your granadilla plant in a warm spot,protected from strong winds. Train it against a trellis or fence, and it will twist itself around the support.
Soil Type – Use sandy, loamy soil with a pH of 6.5 and 7.5 for the best results.
Dig a hole about 60 x 60 cms and enrich it with good organic compost and some bone meal. At Just Berry Plants, we provide volcanic rock-dust sufficient to create an optimal environment. This deep soil prep is necessary for good root growth and to ensure the soil has good drainage (granadilla plants are sensitive to wet soil conditions).
Water the potted plant before transplanting, then plant it at the same level in the ground as in the pot. Then, firm the soil around the plant.
Water – Water your plant well every 2 to 3 days in hot weather rather than a little, daily. Water deeply to ensure the roots are well watered.
Pruning – Prune the side shoots back to 60 cms from the ground twice a year after fruiting. Thin out the plant to prevent overcrowding and overlapping and remove dead or diseased wood.
Fertilising – Fertilise your granadilla in spring and after fruiting. The best fertiliser for a granadilla plant is 3.2.6.
Mulch – Keep the soil mulched with compost to retain moisture, protect the plant’s roots from UV damage, and keep weeds at bay.
Harvesting – This plant bears fruit twice a year – a summer crop and a smaller winter crop. The first fruits will be ready about 6 to 9 months after planting. Pick the fruit when they are fully developed and light purple. Let them ripen in your kitchen; they are ready to eat when they are dark purple, and the skin shrivels.
