Passiflora mollissima BANANA PASSIONFRUIT (5 seeds)

Curuba, also known as the Banana Passionfruit (Passiflora mollissima), is a climbing plant from the Passifloraceae family.
This fast-growing pink vine grows naturally in the Andes mountain range, where it can reach up to 5 meters in height.

This variety features dense, lush foliage. Its leaves are palmate and bright green, offering a refreshing appearance.

Its pink flowers are remarkably intricate and colorful. The ten petals form a spectacular crown-like shape. Their exotic look and subtle fragrance attract pollinators.

The fruits are elongated and ovoid, covered in a thin yellow skin when ripe. Inside, they contain an aromatic pulp prized for its sweet and slightly tangy flavor. These fruits add a tropical touch to the plant and can be eaten fresh or processed.

Banana passionfruit seeds are black, slightly rough, and elongated.

- Uses:

Banana passionfruit is cultivated for its fruit in the Andes (South America) and Brazil. It is also found in Madeira.
The banana-shaped fruits grow on the stems and are eaten as they are.
They are also used to flavor ice creams, drinks, and pastries. 

- Germination and Sowing:

• The best time to sow Passiflora mollissima is from June to the end of July, when temperatures are sufficiently high.
• Soak the seeds for 12 hours in lukewarm water to break dormancy and speed up germination.
• Prepare a tray of fine, pre-moistened horticultural compost.
• Bury them 1 cm deep.
• Water gently and place the tray in a greenhouse at a temperature of at least 30°C.
• Germination generally begins 3 to 4 weeks after planting.

- Soil and Substrate:

This climber grows in light soil rich in organic matter (humus-based). The substrate should be well-drained and slightly acidic. It is important to avoid heavy or clay-heavy soils that retain too much water.

- Light and Exposure:

The upper part of the plant requires a sunny exposure, while the base prefers a shaded spot. It should be placed where it can receive at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Full sun promotes better flower and fruit production.

- Temperature and Hardiness:

This tropical plant prefers temperatures between 20 and 30°C. It is frost-sensitive; temperatures below 10°C can damage the plant. Outside of its natural hardiness zones (Zones 9 to 11), it must be grown in a greenhouse or in a pot to be brought indoors for winter.

- Watering:

Curuba requires regular watering to keep the soil moist, without allowing water to stagnate. Moderate watering in summer is ideal, ensuring the soil is not oversaturated. In winter, watering can be spaced out every few days.

- Propagation:

Propagation is mainly done by seeds or cuttings. Taking semi-hardwood cuttings in a humid, confined environment ("à l'étouffée") is a faster and more effective method, ensuring a plant identical to the parent.

- Pests and Diseases:

This vine can be attacked by pests such as aphids, whiteflies, or mealybugs, which can weaken the plant. Common diseases include verticillium wilt, root rot, or fusarium wilt, especially in cases of overwatering or poor ventilation.