I started my passi in the GH last winter but it still did not bloom this summer. I need to dig the root up and bring it in...but should I store it cool and dry or keep it warm in the "grow-room" under grow lights all winter. As you can tell, I'm a newbie with this species.
The first year
In my area they die down and come back ten fold in the Spring. My MIL lives on a lake in the same zone and hers don't even die down. Right now mine are coming up all over the place.
Beth,
Most passies bloom in their second year. If you are talking about P. incarnata, it can be hardy below 10 degrees if the root system is strong. It grows wild as far north as Ohio and Indiana--not sure if that is the same zone as you are in. If you want to dig up the roots, just dig deep--maybe 18 inches or so. You could also let them die back, and then mulch heavily once all the leaves have dropped.
Good luck!
Mark
Soometimes they won;t bloom the first year depending on the weather. I have had one since MArch and it has not bloomed yet, just gotten bigger. Depending on what species you have 8B zone you should be able to mulch it really well and it will pop back stronger. If you uproot it, it may shock it and make it take longer to bloom in the spring.
Hey Mark, quit posting the same time as me LOL
Flutter
Well maybe I didn't have to dig it up and bring it in (in my zone) but I'm glad I did just to be safe. It is still a young plant even though it grew over ten feet tall this summer. If it does well next year I'll try mulching and leave it out next winter. it's the first one I ever started from seed so I'm being a little overprotective.
Are you talking about , passies won't bloom the first year from seeds or from cuttings?
I have many seedlings that did not bloom the first year except for one which was the yellow passionfruit (but then I have a long growing season and it bloomed in the late fall). I often get my cuttings to bloom the first year though.
I was just saying that mine didn't bloom the first year and I started it from seed. It should bloom next year.