Effect of Trellis Orientation on Passiflora incarnata Growth and Production
MSU Affiliation
Extension Service (MSUES); Coastal Research and Extension Center; South Mississippi Branch Experiment Station
Creation Date
2026-06-30
Abstract
Passiflora incarnata L., often referred as ‘maypops’, has showy flowers and large fruit. This species has been identified in historical documents as being a food crop, although it is not presently grown as a commercial crop. To better facilitate harvest, Passiflora vines must be trellised to keep flowers and fruit off the ground. There are different methods to accomplish this, but there is little consensus as to the best model. Simple trellis systems made from t-posts, wire fencing, and cement blocks were erected onto a crushed rock covered nursery pad. One trellis was made horizontal to the ground roughly 0.3 m off the pad. The other trellis was vertical (perpendicular to the ground) and reached a height of 1.5 m. Three Passiflora species were used: P. caerulea L. (blue passion flower), P. edulis Sims f. flavicarpa O. Deg. (yellow passion fruit), and P. incarnata (maypop). There were no statistically significant differences between vertical and horizontal trellised passion fruit vines in our study. Overall, trellis orientation did not appear to significantly impact vine growth, fruit growth, or fruit quality of P. incarnata. We recommend employing a vertical trellis system for this species.
Publication Date
1-1-2021
Publication Title
Journal of Applied Horticulture
Publisher
Society for the Advancement of Horticulture
First Page
357
Last Page
359
Recommended Citation
Stafne, E. T., & Rezazadeh, A. (2021). Effect of trellis orientation on Passiflora incarnata growth and production. Journal of Applied Horticulture, 23(3), 357–359.
