Without a doubt, the passion fruit market has great growth potential. This is because the versatility of the fruit allows for consumption in different commercial destinations. Furthermore, with only five types of passion fruit among the most cultivated, it is not very difficult to gain considerable space within this niche.
Therefore, if you want to know the necessary steps to start a good passion fruit plantation, follow the post from 7MBoots below and get inspired right now!
Before starting your plantation, it is crucial to research and understand more about passion fruit. Originating from the passion fruit vine, its scientific name is Passiflora edulis sims, and it is a fruit belonging to the family Passifloraceae. Known for its calming effect, it grows in the form of vines and can be compared to climbing plants. Additionally, passion fruit is native to Central and South America; in ancient times, the fruit was known as a “divine gift.”
It is a fact that planting passion fruit is a highly profitable activity. With the primary function of extracting pulp for producing jams, juices, ice creams, and vitamins, Brazil is the leader among passion fruit producers. One of the factors contributing to national leadership is the 100 species of passion fruit present in our country. However, only 5 of them stand out commercially: purple, native, quadrangular, alata, and cincinnata passion fruit. It is also essential to consider that for pulp extraction, the most suitable are the purple and alata varieties. The other types are more commonly used in ornamental cultivation.
For your passion fruit plantation to be successful, it is essential that it begins in a suitable location for the plant's growth. Although the passion fruit vine does not require much space to develop, it is crucial to be attentive to ideal conditions such as high temperatures and a regular rainfall cycle. Moreover, passion fruit thrives best in tropical climates, and exposure to warmth and humidity is vital for its growth.
The ideal soil for planting passion fruit should be fertile, well-draining, and possess good nutritional potential. Additionally, to maintain a good rhythm of sowing and harvesting this fruit, it is important that the land is flat. After selecting the soil, it’s time to prepare it; start by cleaning the area, removing residues from previous plantings. Afterwards, you will need to plow the land and convert the remnants into natural fertilizers.
The best time for planting passion fruit seeds is between July and August, following the end of frost season. Thus, the first step is to dig the holes, which should be approximately 10 cm wide and 12 cm deep. Additionally, the space between each hole should be around 30 cm. Since the growth of the plant is similar to that of a vine, it is important that it has some type of support; therefore, it’s recommended to cultivate the fruit near fences or wooden structures to facilitate upward growth.
Due to the individual needs of the passion fruit, which require high temperatures and a good level of humidity, watering is fundamental. This can be done mechanically or manually; however, it is crucial to balance this action to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged. Furthermore, during the germination of the seeds, it is essential to water the plantation at least twice a week. Once the passion fruit vine has sprouted, watering can be reduced to once a week. Note: during the fruit development phase, watch for the emergence of weeds.
When passion fruits exhibit a bright yellow color and a shiny texture, it is a sign that they are ready for harvest. The best way to collect them is by cutting the fruits from the plants, keeping a stem of about 5 cm.
Aôba, tá precisando de ajuda? Clica aqui no botão do Whats que nóis te ajuda uai
