How to Grow Scarlet Passion Flowers

Overview

The passion flower, also called Maypop or Passiflora incarnata, is native to the Southeastern United States. Its flowers are 3 inches in diameter and bloom from July until the first frost in autumn or early winter. The flowers grow on vines that can grow up to 15 feet long in a single growing season. The scarlet passion flower grows well on trellises and fences, and grows best in USDA Zones 5 through 9, so it's hardy down to about -15 degrees Fahrenheit. The flowers produce oval berries that are edible fruits, used to make jams and jelly.

Step 1

Select a planting site in partial to full sunlight that is somewhat protected from frost or severe cold winds. Passion flowers are readily adaptable to most kinds of well-drained soils.

Step 2

Plant your scarlet passion flowers in early spring, after the danger of frost has passed. Till some organic compost into the planting hole.

Step 3

Water the plants once per week throughout the growing season to keep the soil moist. Feed your scarlet passion flowers a 10-5-20 fertilizer in early spring and again in 6 to 8 weeks, following the dosage instructions on the package.

Step 4

Spread a 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the passion flower plants in autumn to protect them from severe cold.

Step 5

Propagate your scarlet passion flowers by taking softwood cuttings from mature wood in early summer. Or, harvest the seeds in early autumn to propagate the plants.