Passiflora Mollissima seeds, Tacso

Sowing **Passiflora** (passionflower) seeds is a popular method of growing these exotic climbing plants, known for their beautiful flowers and sometimes edible fruits. However, Passiflora seeds often have a natural dormancy that must be broken to achieve good germination. Here is a step-by-step guide:

---

### **Materials required:**
- Passiflora seeds.
- Light and well-draining substrate (mixture of potting soil, sand, and perlite).
- Seed tray or small individual pots.
- Vaporizer.
- Sandpaper or file for scarification (optional).
- A container for soaking.
- Plastic film or bag to maintain humidity.

---

### **Steps for sowing Passiflora seeds:**


#### 1. **Scarification (optional but recommended):**
- Passiflora seeds have a hard shell which can slow germination.
- **Method :**
- Lightly rub the surface of the seeds with sandpaper or a nail file to refine their seed coat.
- This step allows water to penetrate better into the seed.

---

#### 2. **Soaking the seeds:**
- Soak the seeds in warm water for **24 to 48 hours**. Change the water every 12 hours to prevent mold growth.
- **Trick :**
- Adding a drop of lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide can help soften the shell further.

---

#### 3. **Substrate preparation:**
- Use a well-draining mix, such as:
- 1/3 seedling soil.
- 1/3 sand.
- 1/3 perlite or vermiculite.
- Fill the pots or trays with this substrate.

---

#### 4. **Sowing:**
- Plant the seeds at a depth of **0.5 to 1 cm**.
- Space them **2 to 3 cm** apart if you are using a common tray, or sow one seed per pot.
- Cover them lightly with substrate.

---

#### 5. **Germination conditions:**
- **Temperature :**
- Maintain a constant temperature of **20 to 25 °C**, because passion flowers like heat.
- **Light :**
- Place the pots in a bright place, but away from direct sunlight.
- **Humidity :**
- Cover the pots with perforated plastic wrap or a plastic bag to maintain constant humidity.
- **Watering:**
- Moisten the substrate regularly with a spray bottle, but avoid soaking it.

---

#### 6. **Germination time:**
- Germination can be slow and irregular:
- Some seeds germinate in **2-4 weeks**, while others can take up to **2-6 months**.
- Be patient and continue to maintain optimal conditions.

---

#### 7. **Maintenance after germination:**
- Once the seedlings are visible:
- Remove the plastic film to avoid excess moisture.
- Place them in a well-lit area, but always avoid direct sunlight.
- Water moderately to keep the substrate slightly moist.

---

### **Transplanting into open ground or individual pots:**

#### 1. **When to replant:**
- When the seedlings are **5 to 10 cm** and have at least **2 to 4 true leaves**, transplant them into larger pots.
- Wait until the young plants are sufficiently robust before planting them in open ground.

#### 2. **Soil preparation:**
- Passionflowers prefer rich, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral.
- Add compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil.

#### 3. **Location:**
- Choose a sunny location protected from cold winds.
- Provide support, such as a trellis or pergola, as passionflowers are climbing plants.

---

### **Additional Tips:**

1. **Choice of species:**
- Some species like **Passiflora edulis** (passion fruit) produce edible fruits.
- Others, such as **Passiflora caerulea**, are grown for their ornamental flowers.

2. **Watering:**
- Keep the soil moist, but well drained. Passionflowers do not like standing water.

3. **Fertilization:**
- Apply a balanced fertilizer every 2 to 3 weeks during the growing season.

4. **Protection:**
- In cold climates, grow passion flowers in pots so that you can bring them indoors in winter, except for hardy species like **Passiflora caerulea**.

5. **Size:**
- Prune regularly to stimulate branching and maintain a compact shape.