Giant Granadilla Farming in Kenya: The Biggest Passion Fruit Species

Giant granadilla also known as the giant passion is classified to be the biggest passion fruit species in the world. It bears large oval shaped fruits that have a thick green skin that turns yellowish as it ripens. On the inside, the passion contains a juicy, aromatic transparent pulp that has numerous seeds that are edible.

Giant granadilla fruit

Where is giant granadilla passion grown?

 Giant granadilla is grown in several regions across Kenya, particularly in areas with favorable climatic and soil conditions. But which are these areas? Granadilla is grown in regions such as Muranga, Kiambu, Nyeri, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Embu, Meru and Kakamega counties.

This giant passion thrives best in tropical climates where there is regular and well distributed rainfall of about 1,000- 2,000mm annually. For areas where the rainfall is below the expected, then irrigation would come in as a good substitute so as to help in the plant’s growth and fruit development. The plant prefers well drained sandy loam soils that have a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 and that are well drained.

Propagation

Giant granadilla can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, or grafting.

Spacing

For commercial farmers, a spacing of 4 metres apart with holes of 60 by 60cm will be ideal so as to allow sufficient room for growth and air circulation. Spacing adequately will help prevent disease spread on your plants while ensuring they receive enough sunlight.

Trellising

Just like other passion varieties, giant granadilla is also a climbing vine. Its vines are vigorous growers and need sturdy support structures to manage their growth and maximize fruit production. It is important to construct strong trellises or arbours for the vines to climb. Properly trellising your granadilla vines will ensure you have a maximum production due to a number of factors that I have outlined in this article. Read :Increasing Your Passion Fruit Production Through Proper Trellising

Common Pests and Diseases affecting giant granadilla and their management

Common pests and diseases that attack giant granadilla are,

Aphids: They feed on the plant sap causing its leaves to curl, yellow and wilt. They excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and leads to sooty mold.

Mites: They cause stippling, discoloration, and premature leaf drop. Severe infestations can lead to reduced plant vigor.

Fruit flies: They lay eggs on the fruit leading to maggot infestation, fruit decay, and premature fruit drop.

Scale insects: They suck sap from plants leading to yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and sooty mold development.

Leaf spot: These are small, dark spots on leaves that may coalesce, leading to leaf drop.

Powdery mildew: White, powdery fungal growth on leaves, stems, and fruit.

Fusarium Wilt_ This disease causes yellowing and wilting of leaves, vascular discoloration, and eventual plant death.

You can manage the pests and diseases biologically or chemically whereby you use the recommended pesticides and fungicides. It advisable to rotate the different modes of actions for chemical control so as to prevent resistance.

Also practise proper sanitation on your farm by removing and destroying diseased plant material and infested fruits.

Maturity/Fruit Development/ Harvesting

A ripe giant granadilla fruit

Giant granadilla plant takes about an year from planting to start flowering with its fruits typically taking 4-6 months to mature after flowering. The maturity of the fruit and the readiness for harvesting comes with a change in colour from green to yellowish and slight softening of the fruit. Once harvested ripe granadilla fruits need proper handling to avoid bruising or damage.

Read:Sweet Granadilla Passion Farming in Kenya

The fruits have a relatively short shelf life and that means they should be marketed or consumed quickly once harvested. Refrigeration can however extend their shelf life slightly.

Consumption/Value addition

The fruit can be consumed fresh or processed into various products such as juices, jams and desserts. The pulp is highly nutritious and rich in vitamin A and C, making it a popular ingredient in many culinary applications.

Also Read: Sweet Yellow Passion Fruit Farming in Kenya