When, how and why to prune passion fruit vines

Although the crop does not require special pruning techniques to produce fruit, they are pruned to develop fruiting surface, control their size and spread, change cycle (rejuvenate) and to allow sunlight to filter through the vines to help ripen the fruit.

Pruned vines also produce strong new growth that in turn produces fruit. The pruning process also makes harvesting easier, promotes growth and keeps vines growing in designated spaces. In what is called formative pruning, encourage only two vines to reach the trellis wire; the extra vines and early flowers that appear before the two selected vines reach the trellis wire should be pruned off.

Also carry out maintenance pruning by removing dead vines, old/unproductive shoots close to the main vine to encourage new vines that are productive and more vigorous. Tendrils, which entangle the laterals, should also be regularly pruned to allow more light and reduce pest infestation. Laterals touching the ground should be pruned 5-15 cm above the ground so that they hang like curtains.

After three years of cropping, vines are cut down (change of cycle) to level of the trellis wire (where the two main vines first touch the trellis wire) to renew (rejuvenate) growth for a further two years. Some authorities do not recommend the extra two years of cropping. It is argued that fruit yields from the ratoon crop are not economical.