As a versatile fruit that can be consumed fresh or used as a base for juices, mousses, jams, and jellies, starting a passionfruit plantation can be a good alternative to ensure profitability. Furthermore, only 5 varieties of the fruit are among the most cultivated, which simplifies the process of gaining space in this type of market. To learn more about growing it, discover on the 7MBoots website how to start a passionfruit plantation.
Above all, the first step to starting any type of cultivation is to get to know the fruit. Passionfruit comes from the passionflower plant, its scientific name is Passiflora edulis sims, and it belongs to the family of Passifloraceae. Additionally, passionfruit is well-known for its calming effect. It grows in a rambling form and can be compared to climbing plants.
Although the world of passionfruits consists of over 100 species, only five of them stand out commercially, including Purple Passionfruit, Nativio, Quadrangular, Alata, and Cincinnara. The fruit is primarily used for pulp extraction, which serves as a base for sweets, juices, ice creams, and various other foods. The varieties with the highest pulp content are Purple and Alata; moreover, these species have a less concentrated acidity compared to the others. Currently, Brazil is the leading producer of passionfruit, followed by the USA and Chile.
To ensure a successful cultivation process, it's essential to begin your plantation in a location that has ideal conditions. While the passionflower plant does not require much space for its development, it relies on the right climatic conditions with high temperatures and regular rainfall cycles. Additionally, exposure to heat and humidity is crucial for the plant's health. Therefore, the fruit progresses more easily and quickly in tropical climates.
When choosing the soil for planting passionfruit, it's important to pay attention to factors such as fertility, good drainage, and nutritional potential. Moreover, the terrain in question must be flat; otherwise, it will be more difficult to maintain an adequate rhythm for planting and harvesting. After selecting the ideal soil, it's time to prepare it to begin cultivation. First, even if your soil has a good nutritional potential, it can be improved; therefore, start with cleaning the area by removing superficial residues such as remnants from previous plantations that may impede the growth of the passionflower. After that, it will be necessary to plow the soil to grind the leftovers and convert them into natural fertilizer.
The most appropriate time to plant passionfruit is between July and August, after the end of frost. The first step is to dig holes that are 10 cm wide and 12 cm deep. Additionally, the space between each hole should average 30 centimeters. As this plant grows like a vine, it will need some type of support. The best approach is to start planting near fences or wooden structures to ensure upward growth.
As mentioned before, the passionflower is a plant that requires a climate with high temperatures and good humidity. In other words, irrigation is essential for the plant's development and can be done mechanically or manually. Regardless of the method, it is necessary to maintain balance so that the soil does not become waterlogged.
When the seeds are germinating, they need to be watered two times a week, respecting a 3-day interval between irrigations. After the passionflower sprouts, irrigation should be done only once a week. Moreover, during the plant's development period, it is extremely important to stay vigilant for the emergence of weeds that can jeopardize its growth.
Passionfruits will be ready for harvest when they exhibit a bright yellow color and a shiny texture. The best way to harvest is by cutting the fruit from the vine with a 5 cm stem; this way, it is possible to avoid premature ripening of the passionfruit.
So, cowboys and cowgirls, did you enjoy the tips from 7MBoots? Stay tuned to the 7MBoots website, there are many good things coming your way!
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