Sweet Grenadilla
Passiflora ligularisfam. Passifloraceae
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Pl. 78AE — Passiflora ligularis
Passiflora ligularisPassiflora ligularisPassiflora ligularisPassiflora ligularisPassiflora ligularisPassiflora ligularisPassiflora ligularisPassiflora ligularisPassiflora ligularisPassiflora ligularisPassiflora ligularisPassiflora ligularisPassiflora ligularisPassiflora ligularis
IOverview
Overview
Sweet Grenadilla, scientifically known as Passiflora ligularis and belonging to the Passifloraceae family, is a vine native to Bolivia, Colombia, Panamá, Peru, and Venezuela. This plant thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers moist, medium to heavy (clay) soil. It can grow up to 5 meters tall and is known for its edible fruit as well as documented medicinal uses. Its distinctive features include light green foliage and attractive flowers that make it a desirable ornamental addition to gardens.
Quick answers
What is Sweet Grenadilla?
Sweet Grenadilla, scientifically known as Passiflora ligularis and belonging to the Passifloraceae family, is a vine native to Bolivia, Colombia, Panamá, Peru, and Venezuela. This plant thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers moist, medium to heavy (clay) soil.
IV·bMixology suggestions
2 drafts
Mixology suggestions
2 draftsEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Stress Relief
stresstincture
Historically used for calming effects.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Sweet Grenadilla thrives in full to partial sun and requires moist soil that can be medium or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 9-12, making it suitable for warmer climates. To propagate, use stem cuttings. This vine grows up to 5 meters tall and produces edible fruit.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
9-12
Habit
Vine
Mature size
5.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Sweet Grenadilla for the first time
8steps
Sweet Grenadilla is a rewarding plant for beginners, but patience and proper care are key.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, good quality potting soil, containers with drainage holes.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in late winter or early spring when temperatures start warming up.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining potting mix. Containers should be at least 12 inches wide and deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Start seeds indoors about 8 weeks before the last frost, then transplant outdoors once all danger of frost is past.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist. Place in a partially shaded area to acclimate.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun for at least 6 hours daily. Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune vines in late winter to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Harvest fruit when it turns yellow.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to prune, exposing to extreme heat.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: Drink, Sweetener
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
5 native · 15 introduced
Distribution
5 native · 15 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 5 native· 15 introduced
Asia2 regions
introduced (2)Sri LankaTaiwan
Americas10 regions
native (4)BoliviaColombiaPeruVenezuela
introduced (6)Costa RicaEl SalvadorGuatemalaHondurasJamaicaUnited States
Africa1 region
introduced (1)Zimbabwe
Broader regions
native:Panamá
introduced:Galápagos, Jawa, Mexico Central, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
5 related
See also
5 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Passifloraceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Passifloraceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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