The passionfruit is a vigorous, shallow rooted, perennial vine that climbs by means of tendrils.  There are two types of passionfruit.  They are the yellow passionfruit (Passiflora edulis forma flavicarpa) which is suited to tropical conditions, and the purple passionfruit (Passiflora edulis forma edulis) which grows best under sub-tropical conditions.  The yellow passionfruit is tolerant to most of the soil borne pests and diseases that affect the purple type, and is more prolific, bearing larger, heavier fruit with more juice, which has a higher acid content than the purple type.  The flavour of the purple type is preferred over that of the yellow type.

Site Selection
Passionfruit vines require full sunlight for proper growth. It is best grown in areas with annual rainfall of at least 900 mm. Passionfruit may be grown on a wide range of soil types, but the best suited soils are light to heavy sandy loams of medium texture having a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. The plant needs good drainage. Vines will not tolerate waterlogged conditions for long periods. The passionfruit vine grows better in areas that are protected from the wind.

Land Preparation
Land preparation may be conducted one to two months before planting the vines. The land must first be cleared. This produces green mulch that can be incorporated back into the soil when ploughing and rotovating. This ensures a quick and even establishment of vines. Soil analysis should be conducted and all necessary adjustments made before planting. Ploughing in organic matter to soil is beneficial. Organic mulch can be added around these vines because they are shallow rooted. 

Plant Propagation
Seeds, cuttings, grafts or layering can be used to propagate Passionfruit vines. The first three methods are most commonly used.

Propagation by Seed
The seeds are planted 1.5 cms deep on a sterile seed bed and are transplanted into individual bags containing potting mix and ½ a teaspoon of slow release fertilizer at the three leaf stage. Plantlets are grown under shaded conditions are hardened before being transplanted into the field. It takes 6 to 8 weeks from the time of sowing to transplanting in the field.

Propagation by Cuttings
Cuttings are taken from vigorous, actively growing vines. Roots should develop in 4 weeks after preparation. Then it should be treated similar to seedlings. Plants from rooted cuttings are less vigorous than seedlings and could be planted at a closer spacing than seedlings.

Trellis Construction
Trellises are required for the commercial production of passionfruit. Trellises contribute most to the cost of production of the crop and should be constructed properly. Trellises should be constructed in the same direction with the wind wherever possible. On sloping terrain, trellises should be constructed across the slope. Trellises are required for the commercial production of passionfruit. Trellises contribute most to the cost of production of the crop and should be constructed properly.

Transplanting to the Field
Plants are transplanted during the cooler part of the day (early morning or late evening).

Training of Vines
One or two vigorous leaders are selected and trained to the top wire.

Water Management
Irrigation is needed in areas where the annual rainfall is below 1200 mm per year. Regular watering will keep vines flowering and fruiting continuously.

Weed Control
Weeds in a passionfruit orchard could be controlled manually or by chemical means. Although manual weed control is more costly, it is preferred.

Nutrient Requirement
Before planting, soil analyses should be conducted to determine whether the pH should be adjusted and the soil nutrient status. The results will determine the

Pruning
The pruning of passionfruit vines is conducted in order to reduce the level of pests and diseases and to encourage new vine growth. Heavy pruning should only be performed once per year, after the July to September crop. Since pruning tools are means by which diseases are spread they should therefore be kept clean.

Pollination
Most cultivars of yellow passionfruit are self-incompatible therefore cross-pollination is necessary. Some natural pollinators of passionfruit in St. Lucia are the Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa sonorina) and the honeybee (Apis millifera). It has been proven that hand pollination increases fruit yield in passionfruit.

Pest and Disease Control
Pests and diseases may attack plants as early as the nursery stage. Caterpillars and slugs may attack the plants, while fungi may cause damping-off and loss of plants. Slug bait should be spread around seedling or a liquid slug control could be incorporated into the fungicide drenches (benomyl) for the control of damping-off. An insecticide is sprayed at the recommended rate every two to four weeks for caterpillar control. Both insect and fungal problems in passionfruit could be controlled through proper cultural practices and chemical sprays.

Harvesting
A passionfruit orchard may have a life span of 3-5 years. There are two major seasons of production, June to August and November to January. Fruits are harvested when they have dropped to the ground. Green or immature fruits should not be picked off the vine as they will not ripen, they will also be off flavored and have a higher concentration of cyanogenic glycosides (a toxin produced by the vine). Fruits should be collected 2 to 3 times per week.

Processing
Passion fruits are processed into juices, which are sold either in single strength or as frozen concentrates. The passion fruit juice is also used in the production of cordials, alcoholic beverages, ice creams, and confectionery and mixed fruit blends.