Flowering and fruiting of purple passion fruit at Thika.

Abstract

Vines started to flower 5 months after transplanting. The flowers opened between 7 and 9 a.m., depending on the weather conditions, and they remained open until 10 a.m. the following day. Fruit set of flowers covered with paper bags was 60%, and this increased to 83% for uncovered flowers. Fruits attained their maximum size and full maturity 24 and 88 days, respectively, after anthesis. Fruiting was seasonal and production declined markedly over a 3-year period.