About this variety
Stinking passionflower (Passiflora foetida, family Passifloraceae) is a climbing vine whose small fruit sits inside a hairy, net-like bract. Its leaves give off a faint unpleasant smell when crushed, which is where the name comes from. Packets hold 5 or 15 seeds.
Also known as: Granadilla Silvestre.
What the plant looks like
- Vine 3–5 m long that climbs by tendrils.
- Deeply lobed, finely hairy leaves.
- Flowers about 5 cm across, purple and white, with a fringe of thread-like filaments.
- Round fruit 2–4 cm across, enclosed in the hairy bract; it turns orange-yellow when ripe and holds sweet-tart pulp with small black seeds.
Sowing and germination
Sow in well-drained soil with organic matter and keep it warm and moist. Seedlings appear in about 2–4 weeks under warm conditions, so do not give up on the pot after the first week.
Growing it on
- Light: full sun preferred; partial shade is tolerated.
- Water: keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Support: a trellis, fence or arbor from the start, because a 3–5 m vine needs something to climb.
- Pruning: cut back to control spread and encourage branching.
The species grows wild in tropical and subtropical regions and is native to Central and South America.
What you get
Seeds of Passiflora foetida: 5 seeds or 15 seeds per packet, depending on the option you choose. Photos on this page come from our older catalog and have not yet been checked against this lot.
FAQ
How long does germination take?
About 2–4 weeks in warm soil.
How much space does it need?
Plan for a vine of 3–5 m on a fence, trellis or arbor.
Why is it called stinking passionflower?
The leaves give off a faint unpleasant odour when crushed or handled.

