Tag: Vines

10 Plant Partnerships That Will Triple Your Harvest (Gardeners Shocked!) –
I learned that one simple gardening trick can boost harvests quickly while cutting pest numbers almost in half. The trick is companion planting: nature’s way of helping plants work better together.

After many seasons of trial and error, this method turned my weak veggie beds into a healthy, busy garden in no time.

No need to stress about fancy layouts. These 10 plant partners work well with little effort. Ready to match plants the easy way? Let’s go.

Plant Partners That Work Wonders

1. Tomatoes & Basil: A Reliable Match

This pair isn’t just delicious on the plate. Basil’s strong smell helps keep away pests like aphids and hornworms that usually bother tomatoes.

Growing them together can even make tomatoes taste better. (Seriously. My tomatoes tasted so much better once I planted basil beside them.)

2. Carrots & Onions: A Simple Defense

Carrot flies can wipe out a crop fast, but onions help block them. In return, carrots help loosen the soil for onion bulbs. They just work well together.

3. Corn & Beans: The Old “Three Sisters” Duo

This old planting method makes sense. Beans add nitrogen to the soil, which corn needs. The corn stalks give the beans something to climb. It’s a natural setup that works smoothly.

4. Cucumbers & Nasturtiums: The Decoy

Nasturtiums act like bait, pulling pests like aphids and beetles away from cucumbers. They also have pretty flowers that you can eat with a pepper-like taste.

5. Peppers & Marigolds: Root Protectors

A common mistake is planting peppers without help. Marigold roots release compounds that chase away nematodes that damage pepper roots.

Some studies show that marigolds can reduce nematode populations by up to 90%. Their blooms look nice, too.

6. Lettuce & Radishes: Soil Helpers

Radishes break up compacted soil, allowing lettuce roots to grow deeper. This makes lettuce stronger on hot and dry days. Radishes also grow fast, so you get an early harvest while waiting for your lettuce.

7. Squash & Borage: Bee Magnets

Squash needs more bees, and borage attracts them. These bright blue flowers pull in loads of pollinators and help keep pests away from squash. Knowing this pairing gives you better fruit.

8. Potatoes & Horseradish: A Surprise Team

This pair sounds odd, but it works. Horseradish contains natural compounds that help keep potatoes strong and beetles away. Plant horseradish at the corners of the potato bed for protection.

9. Strawberries & Thyme: Berry Guards

Slugs love strawberries, but thyme helps stop them with its strong scent. Thyme also acts as ground cover, keeping berries off the soil and reducing fungal problems. Simple and smart.

10. Cabbage & Dill: Friendly Bug Attractors

Dill doesn’t chase pests. Instead, it brings in helpful insects like ladybugs and lacewings that eat cabbage worms. It’s like having tiny guards watching over your cabbages.

Why Companion Planting Works

Companion planting is more than old advice. It’s backed by how plants interact. They use scents and root signals to communicate with one another. The results can be big:
- Less pest damage, fewer sprays
- Better pollination
- Grow more in small spaces
- Better soil use
- Shade where needed
When you match plants well, everything grows better together.

How To Start

Try just two or three partner groups this season. Watch how plant health, pest problems, and harvest amounts change.

Remember: it’s not just about putting plants next to each other. It’s about letting them support each other. Keep them close but not crowded; about 12–18 inches apart works for most pairs.

With the right partners, your garden becomes a group that works together instead of single plants growing alone. That’s the goal for most of us anyway.
Gary Antosh

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November 2, 2025
Moonflower Vine: How to Grow Ipomea Alba, a Night-Blooming Flower
Moonflower vines are a quiet delight of the waning season. They are morning glory’s nocturnal cousin, and their wide, near-luminous white blooms begin to unfold every twilight at the end of summer. As the days continue to contract, and nights lengthen, a signal is sent to these photoperiodic tropical vines to begin making buds. At first, the blooms can only be enjoyed if you are out there with them, in the dark, but as temperatures cool and nights grow even longer, the flowers last well into the morning hours, and also open earlier in the day. At their peak they resemble an ethereal collective of sensitive and perfumed radio telescopes, poised to listen to something beyond our reach.

Photography by Marie Viljoen.

Above: The first moonflowers open at dusk. As nights lengthen they open earlier, and last longer.

Ipomea alba is native to the tropical Americas and as far north as Florida, where it is a perennial. In cooler climates moonflower is grown as an annual climber whose tendrils can be expected to exceed fifteen feet.

Above: Night-scented moonflowers attract sphinx and hummingbird moths.

As a small-space gardener, I value moonflower vine for its ability to grow in a (large) pot, cover a trellis or railing in heart-shaped foliage within a couple of months of sowing, and for its exceptionally beautiful flowers, whose structural appeal is mesmerizing—try watching a six-inch long bud as it unspirals slowly and unfolds until full-blown—a botanical meditation. And then there is that fragrance, which sometimes lures long-tongued moths to visit after dark.

Above: Moonflowers begin to bloom in July, reaching peak bloom a couple of months later.

Keep It Alive:
- Moonflower seeds will not germinate if temperatures are too low. Don’t even think about sowing them outdoors until nights remain consistently above 55°F (which means that the soil temperature is warm enough). The same goes for seedlings bought at nurseries. Watch the weather and plant them only once that nightly benchmark of 55° has been reached. In my USDA growing zone 7b that is around mid to late May.
- The seeds should be soaked before sowing to soften their hard, protective capsules. This may take 12 to 24 hours.
- Moonflowers are slow to take off. These vines will not sprint out of the starting gate. Instead, expect them to begin their fastest growth about two months after sowing.
- For container gardeners, choose a large pot to sow them in, at least 16 inches in diameter. Moonflower vines are rambunctious and need room to grow to their full potential. They will also need a deep and daily watering.
Above: Planted near seating, moonflowers’ delicate form offers a floral meditation.

Above: As days cool and nights grow even longer, the flowers open in the afternoon and last well into the morning hours.

Above: By late September many blooms open daily.

Cheat Sheet
- Moonflowers are Ipomea alba, a night-blooming morning glory.
- They are native to the tropical Americas.
- Despite their common name, they will bloom during the day as nights grow longer.
- Do not grow them in Hawai’i where moonflowers are invasive.
- The common name moonflower also refers to Datura species.
Above: Moonflowers can share a vertical growing space with summer crops like beans.

See also:

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October 20, 2025
Invasive Plants to Avoid and the Native Alternatives You Should Grow Instead

We’ve all done it: planted something we love only to learn, sometimes years later, that it is invasive where we live. In many cases, we can be forgiven. If a nursery is selling it, the message conveyed is that all is well. There are fewer excuses now, when home research has never been easier and when awareness of invasive species has never been higher. Despite that, invasive plants are still being sold by many growers, and the desire for some of them sometimes overrides our internal ethicist. This list of 13 invasive plants includes some well known and understandably appealing garden ornamentals. Do not plant them, and do remove them if you are currently harboring plants whose spread alters and harms local ecosystems. An invasive plant does not stay home—it travels: by roots, runner, fruit, and seed.

But what about…?

Above: Japanese knotweed in bloom.

First, a disclaimer: this list of invasive plants is by no means complete and does not include plants like mugwort, Japanese knotweed, and garlic mustard, since we’re assuming (fingers crossed) that their notoriety precedes them and that they are probably not ornamentally tempting. But, by all means, add plants you feel should be addressed, in the comments.

Butterfly Bush

Above: Butterfly bush attracts butterflies but outcompetes native plants that feed their larvae.

One of the most tempting invasive plants is butterfly bush. It smells delicious, is pretty, blooms repeatedly, and is irresistible to butterflies. What’s not to love? Consider, then, that invasive Buddleja davidii excels at producing tens of thousands of lightweight, easily dispersed seeds per flowerhead, outcompeting native flowering shrubs whose leaves are essential food for butterfly larvae. While the nectar of butterfly bush attracts adult butterflies, this shrub is not a host plant for their caterpillars, which cannot feed on its foliage. Bear it mind that while newer, so-called less-fertile butterfly bush cultivars exist, they still produce seed, just less of it. Avoid.

Plant native flowering shrubs, instead. Sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia) is a good alternative to butterfly bush, with flowers, scent, and a lot of butterfly action in late summer.

Japanese Honeysuckle

Above: Japanese honeysuckle smells wonderful but smothers shrubs and trees.

As appealing as its perfumed flowers may be, Lonicera japonica is now a serious botanical thug in wild places where it is not native. The scrambling vine uses shrubs and trees for support, creating dense, shaded thickets that alter the local ecosystem by smothering native seedlings. It is spread via its fruit, vexingly ripe during fall migration. Birds disperse the seed as they move south. Japanese honeysuckle also reproduces vegetatively, via above-ground runners and below-ground rhizomes.

An alternative to Japanese honeysuckle is of course a native honeysuckle, Lonicera sempervirens (but no scent, sorry). It is very attractive to hummingbirds. For a scented alternative, try star jasmine, (Trachelospermum jasminoides) or bee-friendly yellow jessamine (Carolina jasmine—Gelsemiun sempervirens).

Chinese and Japanese Wisteria

Above: Chinese wisteria at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

I admire the long panicles of Wisteria sinensis and W. floribunda dripping from pergolas in botanical gardens. And then I drive up the Palisades Parkway in New York and New Jersey and see the same vines cascading from the bent branches of oak, maple, and sycamore. It’s beautiful, but it’s deadly: the strong vines of this wisteria cut through bark and cause gradual death, by girdling. Their smothering habit also alters native forest ecologies. Wisteria spreads vegetatively, growing easily from cuttings and new shoots, and by seeds, which explode from their pods when ripe. Seeds also travel along waterways, to germinate downstream.

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September 29, 2025
How to Grow Passion Flower Vine
The prolific vines of Passion Flowers produce elaborate flowers. The vines and flowers of this warm-region perennial vine attract pollinators and are a host plant for Gulf Fritillary Butterflies. Learn how to grow Passion Flower Vine, when to harvest the fruit, and how to save Passion Flower seeds so you can add it to your garden.

Passiflora caerulea, commonly known as the Blue Passion Flower, is a beautiful and exotic vine that can add a unique touch to any garden. While native to South America, it has quickly become a favorite among gardeners everywhere (including me).

Passion Flower Vine (Passiflora caerulea)

This is what Passion Flower Vine flowers look like.

Passion Flower Vine fruit.

How to grow Passion Flower Vine

Passion Flower Vine planting information:

Direct sow seeds or start indoors 6-8 weeks prior to planting in the spring or fall. Plant seeds ¼” deep.
- Seeds may take some time to germinate; be patient and keep soil hydrated.
- Prefers full sun and deep, well-drained, rich soil.
- Moderate moisture requirements can be somewhat drought-tolerant.
Size and spacing details for Passion Flower Vine:

Plant seeds and/or transplants 5 feet (1.5 m) apart.

Grows to 15-30 feet (4.5-9m) tall; provide a trellis for the long vines.

Passion Flower Vine growing tips:

Grows best in full sun. Water deeply. Allow the top several inches of soil to dry out before watering again. Mulch soil well. In my low desert Arizona garden, I provide shade during the hottest months of the year.

What about Gulf Fritillary Caterpillars?

Gulf Fritillary Butterflies love Passion Flower Vines. I love having a garden full of butterflies, and this is one of the reasons I grow this vine. The caterpillars may overtake the vine and cause severe damage. I allow this to happen and don’t intervene.

The Gulf Fritillary Butterfly and the Passion Flower Vine (Passiflora caerulea) share a fascinating yet intricate symbiotic relationship, demonstrating nature’s delicate balance.

The Passion Flower Vine is a host plant to the Gulf Fritillary Butterfly, providing a site for these butterflies to lay their eggs. Though this process may cause damage to the vine, it plays an essential role in the life cycle of the butterfly.

Once the eggs hatch, the emerging larvae feed on the vine. This process, while seemingly destructive, is a crucial part of their growth and development. Despite the harm, the vine often continues to flourish, demonstrating its resilience.

Although the vine is damaged, as the adult butterflies move from flower to flower, seeking nectar, they inadvertently facilitate pollination, helping the plant reproduce. This mutualistic relationship underscores the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the importance of each species’ role in promoting biodiversity.

Passion Flower Vine harvesting tips:

Flowers form first and then develop into fruit. Harvest the fruit when it is yellow or orange in color. The fruit should be soft to the touch. Allow harvested fruit to ripen for a few days at room temperature.

The fruit of the Blue Passion Flower is edible but not especially tasty. We like other varieties of passionfruit much better. My chickens, however, love to eat the fruit. Once harvested, the fruit should be kept in a cool, dry place.

How to save Passion Flower Vine seeds:

Saving Passion Flower seeds

I like saving the seeds from Passion Flower to plant again and share with others. Here’s how to do it:
1. Extract the Seeds: Start by extracting the seeds from a ripe passion fruit. Cut the fruit open and scoop out the pulp, which contains the seeds.
2. Begin Fermentation: Place the pulp and seeds into a small, transparent container. Add just enough water to cover the seeds and loosely cover the container. Leave this in a warm place.
3. Wait for Mold: Over the next 3-7 days, a layer of mold will form on the surface. This is a positive sign as it indicates the fermentation process is underway. The fermentation process helps to break down the hard seed coat and remove any germination inhibitors.
4. Rinse and Dry: Once the seeds have fermented, rinse them thoroughly under running water using a fine strainer. After rinsing, spread the seeds out to dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.
5. Store Properly: Store the dried seeds in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to plant them next season. A paper envelope or a glass jar with a good seal works well for storage.
Saving Passion Flower Vine Seeds

Fermenting Passion Flower seeds has several benefits. It mimics the natural process if the fruit fell to the ground and decomposed naturally. The fermentation process can also help to protect the seeds from diseases and improve their overall health. As a result, you will be more likely to have strong, healthy plants in the coming growing season.

Are you looking for more information about how to grow vines?

This Arizona Vine Planting Guide shares some of my favorite vines that grow well in Arizona and gives growing and planting details for each one.

If this post about how to grow Passion Flower Vine was helpful, please share it:
Angela Judd

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July 7, 2024
Yellow Jessamine: A Species of Gelsemium That’s a Very Toxic Plant

What native flowering vine is perfumed, profuse, and in bloom in early spring just when we need floral encouragement the most? It’s yellow jessamine, or Carolina jasmine—Gelsemium sempervirens. (Its species name—“always living”—refers to Gelsemium’s glossy, evergreen foliage.) This is a cascading, fast-growing vine that makes a spectacular bower over doorways, softening hard fence edges, and stopping passersby, even in their preoccupied, city tracks. It is also one of the most toxic plants on the planet.

But don’t panic. Unless you’re a Russian whistleblower.

Photography by Marie Viljoen.

Above: Yellow jessamine might be the ultimate curb appeal.

Growing natively from Guatemala through Virginia, yellow jessamine’s first stop in the US is Texas, where it is often the first flower to bloom in the new year. It is widely distributed in the Southern US but also in the nursery trade, which has spread it beyond its natural range. It shows remarkable cold hardiness for a plant also at home in Central America. (There are three Gelsemium species: the others are G. rankinii, native to Southeastern US, and which has no scent; and G. elegans, native to East and Southeast Asia.)

Above: Packed clusters of flowers are heavily scented.

While European honeybees are drawn to the nectar-rich flowers of Gelsemium, especially if there is no other food source, the nectar in high doses may be toxic to them. At least, this is the chatter in concerned bee-keeping circles, but it is hard to find a study that confirms this—because there is no such study. Still, with ancient, anecdotal stories circulating via cut-and-paste (and cemented into truth by an entry on Wikipedia with a cul-de-sac of a citation), they are hard to dismiss completely.

But what about native pollinators and yellow jessamine?

Above: A bumblebee visiting a flower.

Yellow jessamine might actively benefit native bumble bees: A 2010 study concluded that “gelsemine, a nectar alkaloid found in Gelsemium sempervirens, lessens the severity of gut pathogen infections in bumble bees.” Self-medicating bees. I have seen fat carpenter bees besieging yellow jessamine, and “robbing” the flowers by puncturing the base of their nectaries from the outside, to suck out sweetness, leaving less food for the slimmer Eastern bumble bees that enter politely from the flower’s mouth.

Above: A statement plant for weeks in spring.

Gelsemium Toxicity

The toxic alkaloids in all Gelsemium species include gelsemine, but dozens of other alkaloids have been isolated from the genus, which has been studied extensively, pharmacologically. For humans and other animals, all Gelsemiums are harmful (and may be lethal) if ingested in very high, very unlikely doses. These could be self-administered deliberately. Sometime in the second half of the 18th century, the author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle purposefully overdosed on Gelsemium in order to observe its effects in different quantities. He documented his findings and submitted them to the British Medical Journal in 1879.

The poison may also be ingested via foul play: In 2012, after he died unexpectedly in Surrey, at the age of 44, an autopsy report showed that Russian whistleblower Aleksander Perepilicchnyy had traces of Gelsemium elegans in his stomach.

Above: Like a beacon to lead you home on an early spring day.

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May 13, 2024
Landscape Architecture Design for a Desert Climate: A Zen Garden in Santa Monica

What happens when a Japanese-style garden meets the southern California desert? For the very Zen results, let’s visit a serene gravel courtyard that landscape architecture firm Terremoto designed for Mohawk General Store in Santa Monica.

Photography by Caitlin Atkinson, courtesy of Terremoto.

Above: Passionflower vines soften the redbrick facade of Mohawk General Store. “The vines were existing when we started the project and we decided to keep them because they were happy there,” says landscape architect David Godshall.

“This was an attempt to create a garden that was both Japanese and desert simultaneously,” landscape architect David Godshall says, adding that client Kevin Carney wanted a space to have movie screenings and to create a backdrop for fashion shoots.

The garden, formerly occupied by gardening shop Potted, had existing hardscape (some concrete slabs) and a few specimen plants—including two large palms—that the team salvaged from the previous design. “For the rest of it, we started from scratch.”

Above: During the remodel, Terremoto removed “chunky, two-inch gravel and a fair amount of existing concrete” and replaced the surface with decomposed concrete with “a heavy dusting” of gravel on top to stabilize the DG, Godshall says: “With this approach you lose the negative aspects of getting DG on the bottom of your shoes and also the feeling that gravel is a trudge to walk through.”

“We made the design process conversational,” Godshall says. “We went cactus shopping with the clients. Then we went boulder shopping. After we got all the elements on site, an incredibly hardworking crew shadow boxed them into place. Then there was a lot of looking at how things looked, walking around, and shifting it around.”

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February 21, 2024
How to Grow Passion Flower Vine
The prolific vines of Passion Flowers produce elaborate flowers. The vines and flowers of this warm-region perennial vine attract pollinators and are a host plant for Gulf Fritillary Butterflies. Learn how to grow Passion Flower Vine, when to harvest the fruit, and how to save Passion Flower seeds so you can add it to your garden.

Passiflora caerulea, commonly known as the Blue Passion Flower, is a beautiful and exotic vine that can add a unique touch to any garden. While native to South America, it has quickly become a favorite among gardeners everywhere (including me).

Passion Flower Vine (Passiflora caerulea)

This is what Passion Flower Vine flowers look like.

Passion Flower Vine fruit.

How to grow Passion Flower Vine

Passion Flower Vine planting information:

Direct sow seeds or start indoors 6-8 weeks prior to planting in the spring or fall. Plant seeds ¼” deep.
- Seeds may take some time to germinate; be patient and keep soil hydrated.
- Prefers full sun and deep, well-drained, rich soil.
- Moderate moisture requirements can be somewhat drought-tolerant.
Size and spacing details for Passion Flower Vine:

Plant seeds and/or transplants 5 feet (1.5 m) apart.

Grows to 15-30 feet (4.5-9m) tall; provide a trellis for the long vines.

Passion Flower Vine growing tips:

Grows best in full sun. Water deeply. Allow the top several inches of soil to dry out before watering again. Mulch soil well. In my low desert Arizona garden, I provide shade during the hottest months of the year.

What about Gulf Fritillary Caterpillars?

Gulf Fritillary Butterflies love Passion Flower Vines. I love having a garden full of butterflies, and this is one of the reasons I grow this vine. The caterpillars may overtake the vine and cause severe damage. I allow this to happen and don’t intervene.

The Gulf Fritillary Butterfly and the Passion Flower Vine (Passiflora caerulea) share a fascinating yet intricate symbiotic relationship, demonstrating nature’s delicate balance.

The Passion Flower Vine is a host plant to the Gulf Fritillary Butterfly, providing a site for these butterflies to lay their eggs. Though this process may cause damage to the vine, it plays an essential role in the life cycle of the butterfly.

Once the eggs hatch, the emerging larvae feed on the vine. This process, while seemingly destructive, is a crucial part of their growth and development. Despite the harm, the vine often continues to flourish, demonstrating its resilience.

Although the vine is damaged, as the adult butterflies move from flower to flower, seeking nectar, they inadvertently facilitate pollination, helping the plant reproduce. This mutualistic relationship underscores the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the importance of each species’ role in promoting biodiversity.

Passion Flower Vine harvesting tips:

Flowers form first and then develop into fruit. Harvest the fruit when it is yellow or orange in color. The fruit should be soft to the touch. Allow harvested fruit to ripen for a few days at room temperature.

The fruit of the Blue Passion Flower is edible but not especially tasty. We like other varieties of passionfruit much better. My chickens, however, love to eat the fruit. Once harvested, the fruit should be kept in a cool, dry place.

How to save Passion Flower Vine seeds:

Saving Passion Flower seeds

I like saving the seeds from Passion Flower to plant again and share with others. Here’s how to do it:
1. Extract the Seeds: Start by extracting the seeds from a ripe passion fruit. Cut the fruit open and scoop out the pulp, which contains the seeds.
2. Begin Fermentation: Place the pulp and seeds into a small, transparent container. Add just enough water to cover the seeds and loosely cover the container. Leave this in a warm place.
3. Wait for Mold: Over the next 3-7 days, a layer of mold will form on the surface. This is a positive sign as it indicates the fermentation process is underway. The fermentation process helps to break down the hard seed coat and remove any germination inhibitors.
4. Rinse and Dry: Once the seeds have fermented, rinse them thoroughly under running water using a fine strainer. After rinsing, spread the seeds out to dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.
5. Store Properly: Store the dried seeds in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to plant them next season. A paper envelope or a glass jar with a good seal works well for storage.
Saving Passion Flower Vine Seeds

Fermenting Passion Flower seeds has several benefits. It mimics the natural process if the fruit fell to the ground and decomposed naturally. The fermentation process can also help to protect the seeds from diseases and improve their overall health. As a result, you will be more likely to have strong, healthy plants in the coming growing season.

Are you looking for more information about how to grow vines?

This Arizona Vine Planting Guide shares some of my favorite vines that grow well in Arizona and gives growing and planting details for each one.

If this post about how to grow Passion Flower Vine was helpful, please share it:
Angela Judd

Source link
January 1, 2024
How to Grow Passion Flower Vine
The prolific vines of Passion Flowers produce elaborate flowers. The vines and flowers of this warm-region perennial vine attract pollinators and are a host plant for Gulf Fritillary Butterflies. Learn how to grow Passion Flower Vine, when to harvest the fruit, and how to save Passion Flower seeds so you can add it to your garden.

Passiflora caerulea, commonly known as the Blue Passion Flower, is a beautiful and exotic vine that can add a unique touch to any garden. While native to South America, it has quickly become a favorite among gardeners everywhere (including me).

Passion Flower Vine (Passiflora caerulea)

This is what Passion Flower Vine flowers look like.

Passion Flower Vine fruit.

How to grow Passion Flower Vine

Passion Flower Vine planting information:

Soak seeds for 24 hours and direct sow or start indoors 6-8 weeks prior to planting in the spring or fall. Plant seeds ¼” deep.
- Prefers full sun and deep, well-drained, rich soil.
- Moderate moisture requirements can be somewhat drought-tolerant.
Size and spacing details for Passion Flower Vine:

Plant seeds and/or transplants 5 feet (1.5 m) apart.

Grows to 15-30 feet (4.5-9m) tall; provide a trellis for the long vines.

Passion Flower Vine growing tips:

Grows best in full sun. Water deeply. Allow the top several inches of soil to dry out before watering again. Mulch soil well. In my low desert Arizona garden, I provide shade during the hottest months of the year.

What about Gulf Fritillary Caterpillars?

Gulf Fritillary Butterflies love Passion Flower Vines. I love having a garden full of butterflies, and this is one of the reasons I grow this vine. The caterpillars may overtake the vine and cause severe damage. I allow this to happen and don’t intervene.

The Gulf Fritillary Butterfly and the Passion Flower Vine (Passiflora caerulea) share a fascinating yet intricate symbiotic relationship, demonstrating nature’s delicate balance.

The Passion Flower Vine is a host plant to the Gulf Fritillary Butterfly, providing a site for these butterflies to lay their eggs. Though this process may cause damage to the vine, it plays an essential role in the life cycle of the butterfly.

Once the eggs hatch, the emerging larvae feed on the vine. This process, while seemingly destructive, is a crucial part of their growth and development. Despite the harm, the vine often continues to flourish, demonstrating its resilience.

Although the vine is damaged, as the adult butterflies move from flower to flower, seeking nectar, they inadvertently facilitate pollination, helping the plant reproduce. This mutualistic relationship underscores the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the importance of each species’ role in promoting biodiversity.

Passion Flower Vine harvesting tips:

Flowers form first and then develop into fruit. Harvest the fruit when it is yellow or orange in color. The fruit should be soft to the touch. Allow harvested fruit to ripen for a few days at room temperature.

The fruit of the Blue Passion Flower is edible but not especially tasty. We like other varieties of passionfruit much better. My chickens, however, love to eat the fruit. Once harvested, the fruit should be kept in a cool, dry place.

How to save Passion Flower Vine seeds:

Saving Passion Flower seeds

I like saving the seeds from Passion Flower to plant again and share with others. Here’s how to do it:
1. Extract the Seeds: Start by extracting the seeds from a ripe passion fruit. Cut the fruit open and scoop out the pulp, which contains the seeds.
2. Begin Fermentation: Place the pulp and seeds into a small, transparent container. Add just enough water to cover the seeds and loosely cover the container. Leave this in a warm place.
3. Wait for Mold: Over the next 3-7 days, a layer of mold will form on the surface. This is a positive sign as it indicates the fermentation process is underway. The fermentation process helps to break down the hard seed coat and remove any germination inhibitors.
4. Rinse and Dry: Once the seeds have fermented, rinse them thoroughly under running water using a fine strainer. After rinsing, spread the seeds out to dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.
5. Store Properly: Store the dried seeds in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to plant them next season. A paper envelope or a glass jar with a good seal works well for storage.
Saving Passion Flower Vine Seeds

Fermenting Passion Flower seeds has several benefits. It mimics the natural process if the fruit fell to the ground and decomposed naturally. The fermentation process can also help to protect the seeds from diseases and improve their overall health. As a result, you will be more likely to have strong, healthy plants in the coming growing season.

Are you looking for more information about how to grow vines?

This Arizona Vine Planting Guide shares some of my favorite vines that grow well in Arizona and gives growing and planting details for each one.

If this post about how to grow Passion Flower Vine was helpful, please share it:
Angela Judd

Source link
January 1, 2024
10 Things Nobody Tells You About Vines – Gardenista

Here’s a question for you: Is a garden complete without a vine? Some may passionately argue that it isn’t, as this type of plant adds another dimension and potential burst of color or fragrance to a garden that other plants can’t provide. I, myself, am a mild vine enthusiast. Maybe it’s because vines, in general, can be tricky to maintain and, if not done properly, become a brambly, ugly mess. A well trimmed vine, though? That, I can get behind.

Here are ten facts about vines—their nature, habits, and abilities—that might skew your attitude toward (or against) them.

N.B.: Featured photograph, above, of Alice Waters’s garden by Leslie Williamson, from Californians at Home: Intimate Portraits by Leslie Williamson.

1. Not all vines are vines.

Above: Rosa mulliganii, in the white garden at Sissinghurst Castle, is not a vine. Just one rose covers this structure. Photograph by Jonathan Buckley, from Ramblers: The Most Romantic Rose.

Did you know that in some parts of the world the term “vine” refers solely to grape vines and the term “climber” is used for plants that climb. To make matters even more confusing, there are plants that behave like vines but aren’t technically a vine. These are called scramblers like some shrub roses that can be trained to climb. So, what exactly defines a vine? It’s a plant whose woody stem needs support to climb and it uses tendrils or it twines up a structure. A vine can also sprawl along the ground.

2. Some won’t return year after year.

Above: Morning glory will re-seed liberally. If you want to keep it in check, deadhead the flower once it’s done blooming. Photograph by Matthew Williams for Gardenista, from Gardening 101: Morning Glory.

Some vines are evergreen (like jasmine), some are deciduous and lose their leaves (like Boston ivy), and some (like clematis) have both evergreen and deciduous types. Some vines should be treated as annuals (like sweet peas), and some vines are invasive in certain areas and are difficult to eradicate (like blue morning glory vine, Japanese honeysuckle, and English ivy). Pro tip: Before choosing any vine, check with your local extension service to make sure it isn’t invasive in your area.

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November 14, 2023