No question: Passion flowers are cultivated primarily because of their enchanting flowers. In order for these to appear numerous and in their full splendor, the plant needs not only the right care but also a suitable location.
Why isn't my passion flower blooming?
If a passion flower does not bloom, this may be due to the age of the plant, lack of dormancy, incorrect pruning, insufficient nutrients or lack of water. You can promote flowering through appropriate pruning, cool rest periods and regular fertilization.
Passiflora only blooms in its second year
First of all: Very young passion flowers usually don't bloom yet, unless you have purchased the annual Passiflora gracilis. So if you have just purchased a new Passiflora and are wondering about the lack of flowers: just be patient! The best thing to do is to give your plant a new pot first, as the plant pot will probably be too small. However, make sure that the new plant pot is not larger than 20 to 30 centimeters in diameter, otherwise your passion flower will put more energy into growth and produce fewer flowers. Seedlings or cuttings will also not bloom for the first time until the following year at the earliest, although vegetatively propagated passionflowers are usually quicker in this regard.
Rest phase stimulates flowering
For lush flowering, the passiflora needs a rest period of at least two to three months, which it spends in a bright but cool place. Use water sparingly, but you should never let the roots dry out. There is no fertilization at all during this time. With this rest phase you simulate the months-long dry phase that most Passiflora species have to survive in their homeland. Also keep in mind that many representatives of this very species-rich plant family come from tropical or subtropical areas and are therefore not hardy.
Pruning is necessary for strong flowers
The flowers also only develop on young ones, i.e. H. this year, shoots of passiflora. For this reason, you must shorten the long side shoots and, if necessary, the leading branches - leave only three to five eyes from which new, flower-producing branches will develop. Pruning is best done in autumn before you move the plant to its winter quarters.
Fertilize passion flowers regularly
Other reasons for the lack of flowers can also be a lack of water and/or nutrients. Passion flowers are heavy feeders; they require a lot of water and regular fertilization, especially during the flowering period between June and September. During the growing season you should supply the passiflora with a liquid universal or flowering plant fertilizer once a week.
Tips & Tricks
However, make sure that the fertilizer is not too rich in nitrogen, because nitrogen makes the plant lazy to bloom. Above all, she will put the fresh energy into growth.
