Passiflora ligularis (Sweet Granadilla)

Sweet Granadilla: The Delicately Sweet Star of the Passion Fruit Family

Passiflora ligularis, commonly known as sweet granadilla, is one of the most prized members of the passion fruit family. Native to the highland regions of South America—including Colombia, Ecuador, and Bolivia—it’s treasured for its delicate sweetness, juicy pulp, and subtle floral aroma. Unlike its tangier cousins, the sweet granadilla has a more mellow, honey-like flavor that makes it a standout in fruit salads, smoothies, and desserts. Gardeners also love it for its stunning flowers and rapid growth.

Like all passion fruits, sweet granadilla belongs to the Passifloraceae family. Alongside familiar species like Passiflora edulis (purple passion fruit), P. edulis f. flavicarpa (yellow passion fruit), and P. incarnata (maypop), P. ligularis is a climbing vine with intricate flowers and edible fruit. Its distinct sweetness and lower acidity set it apart.

What is Sweet Granadilla?

Description

This vigorous climber produces round to oval fruits with a smooth, hard rind that ripens to orange or yellow. The inside reveals a soft, jelly-like pulp filled with black seeds—mild, floral, and sweet. Its lush foliage and striking flowers make it an eye-catching ornamental as well.

Native Range

Passiflora ligularis is native to the Andes, growing between 3,300 and 8,500 feet (1,000–2,600 m) in elevation. It thrives in tropical highlands and subtropical mountain zones across Central and South America.

Growth Habit

This evergreen vine climbs using coiled tendrils and can quickly cover trellises, fences, and arbors. It requires regular pruning to control its vigorous spread and optimize flowering and fruiting.

Size

Sweet granadilla vines typically grow 15–30 feet (4.5–9 m) long and spread 6–10 feet (1.8–3 m) wide with support. In containers or small gardens, annual pruning helps maintain a more compact habit.

Flowers

Sweet granadilla flowers are large, ornate, and lightly fragrant—white with purple filaments and a prominent corona. Each flower lasts a single day but is irresistible to bees, butterflies, and carpenter bees. Passion Flower vs Passion Fruit: What’s the Difference?

Fruits

The fruit is about 2.5–4 inches (6–10 cm) long, with a brittle outer shell that turns golden-orange when ripe. Inside, you’ll find translucent pulp that’s pleasantly sweet, aromatic, and less acidic than other passion fruits—ideal for kids and delicate palates. Each fruit weighs 60–120 grams. Passion Fruit Guide: How to Grow, Choose, and Enjoy Every Variety.

Leaves

Leaves are deeply lobed, bright green, and glossy. They alternate along the stem and provide dense foliage ideal for screening or shading in hot climates.

Hardiness

Best suited to USDA zones 9–11, sweet granadilla prefers moderate temperatures and doesn’t tolerate frost or extreme heat. Ideal daytime temps are 68–82°F (20–28°C). It’s happiest in sheltered spots with regular moisture and protection from wind.

Uses of Sweet Granadilla

• Culinary Delicacy: The pulp is enjoyed fresh or in juices, smoothies, desserts, and ice creams. Its sweet flavor makes it ideal for fruit salads and syrups.
• Traditional Medicine: Used in some cultures for its mild sedative properties and digestive benefits.
• Ornamental Vine: The lush foliage and striking flowers make it an appealing climber for fences and arbors in tropical landscapes.
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Wildlife

Sweet granadilla flowers attract bees and butterflies, supporting pollinators and biodiversity. Its leaves may host the larvae of passion butterfly species, offering additional value in pollinator gardens.

Toxicity

The edible pulp is safe for consumption, but the seeds and rind should not be eaten in large quantities. Unripe fruit and parts of the plant may contain cyanogenic compounds. People with latex allergies should exercise caution.

Invasiveness

Sweet granadilla is not considered highly invasive, but like other vigorous passion vines, it can spread aggressively in ideal conditions. Regular pruning and proper placement help manage growth.

Nutrition Facts: What’s Inside Sweet Granadilla?

DV = Daily Value based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Nutritional values may vary by growing conditions and fruit ripeness.

Health Benefits of Sweet Granadilla

• Digestive Aid: High fiber content promotes healthy digestion and regularity.
• Rich in Vitamin C: Supports immune health and helps neutralize free radicals.
• Heart-Friendly: Contains potassium to help regulate blood pressure and cardiovascular function.
• Eye & Skin Health: Rich in antioxidants and vitamin A for skin glow and vision support.
• Low Glycemic Index: Makes it a good fruit option for balanced blood sugar levels.
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Culinary Uses of Sweet Granadilla

The juicy, aromatic pulp of sweet granadilla is a treat on its own or as a vibrant addition to many dishes. The flavor is milder and sweeter than other passion fruits, making it especially popular with those who find the tartness of Passiflora edulis too intense.

• Fresh Eating: Simply cut the fruit open and spoon out the pulp. It’s a refreshing snack on a hot day.
• Fruit Salads: Combine with papaya, mango, pineapple, and banana for a tropical twist.
• Smoothies: Blend with yogurt, banana, or citrus juice for a creamy, fragrant drink.
• Desserts: Add to pavlovas, cheesecake toppings, panna cotta, or tropical tarts.
• Drinks: Sweet granadilla juice pairs well with lime and mint in spritzers or cocktails.

How to Grow Sweet Granadilla

Sweet Granadilla is a tropical-to-subtropical vine that rewards growers with delicious fruit and exotic blooms. With the right conditions—warmth, moisture, and support—it grows quickly and fruits generously.

Climate and Hardiness

• USDA Zones: Best suited to zones 9-11. It prefers temperatures between 60–85°F (15–29°C).
• Frost Sensitivity: It is not frost-tolerant. Protect young plants and consider containers in marginal climates.
• Humidity: Thrives in humid environments. Dry air can reduce flowering and fruiting.
• Wind: Plants benefit from shelter from strong winds, which can damage vines and reduce fruit set.

Sunlight

• Provide full sun for best fruit production—at least 6–8 hours per day.
• In extremely hot climates, partial afternoon shade helps prevent leaf scorch.

Soil Requirements

• Soil Type: Prefers fertile, well-draining sandy loam. Avoid waterlogged or compacted soils.
• pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.5).
• Soil Prep: Enrich the soil with compost or aged manure before planting.

Watering

• Keep soil evenly moist, especially during flowering and fruiting.
• Avoid overwatering—ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
• Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate root temperature.

Fertilizing

• Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) monthly during active growth.
• Reduce nitrogen if foliage growth is excessive and fruiting is poor.
• Supplement with organic matter for long-term soil health.

Support and Training

• Install a strong trellis, arbor, or fence—vines can grow 15–25 feet (4.5–7.5 m) long or more.
• Train new shoots upward, removing wayward suckers or ground-level growth.
• Space plants 8–10 feet (2.5–3 m) apart to allow for airflow and sunlight penetration.

Pruning

• Prune in late winter to remove dead wood and encourage vigorous spring growth.
• Trim after harvest to shape the plant and improve light penetration.
• Remove crossing or congested stems to boost flowering and fruiting.

Container Growing

• Use a large container (minimum 15–20 gallons) with excellent drainage.
• Provide a tall support structure and rich, moisture-retentive potting mix.
• Repot every 2–3 years to refresh the soil and avoid root-bound stress.

With proper care, Sweet Granadilla can produce fruit in its second year and continue to thrive for 5–7 years or more in ideal conditions.

How to Harvest and Store Sweet Granadilla

When to Harvest

• Fruits are ready when they turn golden-orange or deep yellow, depending on the variety.
• Fully ripe fruits often fall from the vine naturally—this is the best sign of peak ripeness and flavor.
• If picking from the vine, choose fruits that feel heavy for their size and may have slight surface wrinkling.

How to Harvest

• Wait until the fruit detaches easily or twist gently at the stem using clean, sharp garden shears.
• Harvest during dry weather and handle gently—sweet granadilla has a delicate rind prone to bruising.

Storage

• Room Temperature: Unwrinkled fruits can be stored for up to 5 days. Slightly wrinkled fruits should be eaten soon.
• Refrigeration: Store ripe granadilla in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Wrinkling means peak sweetness—not spoilage.
• Freezing: Scoop out the pulp and freeze in an airtight container or ice cube tray. Use in smoothies, desserts, or tropical drinks.

Note: Once granadilla begins to wrinkle, it can dehydrate quickly. For best flavor and texture, consume or preserve soon after ripening. Only the fruit is edible—do not consume the leaves or stems, as they are considered toxic.

How to Propagate Sweet Granadilla

From Seed

• Extract seeds from a ripe fruit, rinse thoroughly to remove pulp, and let them air dry for 24 hours.
• Soak seeds overnight or lightly scarify (nick the seed coat) to speed up germination.
• Sow in a well-draining seed-starting mix. Maintain soil temperatures between 68–86°F (20–30°C) and keep lightly moist.
• Germination typically takes 1–4 weeks, but can vary depending on seed freshness and temperature.
• Using bottom heat (such as a seed heat mat) can help speed up germination.

From Cuttings

• Take 4–8 inch (10–20 cm) softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings from a healthy vine.
• Remove the lower leaves to reduce moisture loss, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
• Plant in a moist, well-draining propagation mix and place in indirect light.
• Maintain high humidity using a humidity dome or plastic bag. Mist as needed.
• Cuttings typically root in 3–6 weeks, sometimes faster in warm, stable conditions.

Grafting

• Grafting is less common for home growers but used in commercial settings for disease resistance or vigor.
• Use compatible rootstock from another Passiflora species known for hardiness.
• Perform wedge or cleft grafts during active growth (spring to summer).
• Ensure clean cuts and good cambium alignment. Wrap the graft securely and maintain humidity during healing.
• Grafted vines may offer improved root disease resistance and more predictable fruit quality.

Note: Seed-grown plants may vary genetically, which can affect fruit quality. Cuttings and grafting produce clones of the parent plant, ensuring consistency.

Common Pests and Diseases of Sweet Granadilla

Passion fruit vines can face a variety of pest and disease issues that affect growth, flowering, and fruit production. Monitoring your plants regularly and acting early can make a big difference.

Common Pests

• Aphids: These sap-sucking insects distort new growth and can spread viruses. They attract ants and promote the growth of sooty mold.
• Scale insects: Small, shell-like pests that feed on sap and weaken the vine. They often go unnoticed until leaf yellowing and dieback occur.
• Mealybugs: These cottony pests cluster on stems and leaf axils, weakening the plant and promoting mold growth.
• Thrips and whiteflies: Both are tiny pests that feed on sap, causing speckled or curled leaves and stunted growth.
• Borers: Larvae of some beetles can tunnel into vines, leading to stem dieback or fruit drop.
• Spider mites: These pests cause stippling and yellowing of leaves, especially in hot, dry conditions.
• Slugs and snails: These are common in moist climates and chew irregular holes in foliage.

Common Diseases

• Fusarium wilt: A soil-borne fungus that causes yellowing leaves, wilt, and sudden death of vines. Remove infected plants and improve drainage.
• Root rot: Caused by Phytophthora and other fungi in poorly drained soils. Symptoms include leaf yellowing, stunted growth, and plant collapse.
• Anthracnose: Affects fruit and stems, creating dark, sunken spots. It worsens in warm, humid climates.
• Bacterial leaf spot: Causes water-soaked lesions that turn brown or black. Favorable in humid, wet weather.
• Sooty mold: Grows on honeydew excreted by sucking pests, blackening leaves and interfering with photosynthesis.
• Leaf spot: Various fungal pathogens can cause speckled or brown patches on leaves, reducing plant vigor.
• Woodiness virus: Distorts leaves and fruits, causing hard, misshapen fruit and reduced yield. Spread by aphids and vegetative propagation.

Prevention and Management

• Use well-draining soil and avoid overwatering to prevent root-related diseases.
• Space vines to improve air circulation and reduce humidity.
• Monitor regularly and remove infected or infested plant parts promptly.
• Encourage beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies.
• Apply neem oil or insecticidal soaps to manage early infestations.
• Start with disease-free planting material and sterilize tools between uses.