How to Grow Maypop

Maypop (Passiflora incarnata) is a perennial vine that bears unusual-looking flowers that last for only a day. However, the vine blooms so profusely, there are flowers to enjoy throughout the season. The 6-foot vine takes its nickname from the fruit it bears and the popping sound it makes when stepped on. Since maypop seeds may take a year or more to germinate, it is easiest to grow from starts purchased at a nursery. Maypop does best in zones 6b through 10b on the U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zone Map.

Coarse sand
Compost
Shovel or hand trowel
10-10-20 fertilizer
Pruning shears

Instructions

- 1
  Harden off the maypop vine before planting it in its permanent location. When you bring the plant home, leave it outdoors in direct sun, for increasing amounts of time over the course of two weeks.
- 2
  Choose a place to plant the maypop. Near a south-facing wall is the ideal location, but any site sheltered from high wind will work.
- 3
  Amend the soil before planting the maypop by adding 3 inches of coarse sand and 2 inches of compost. Mix the amendments into the top 10 inches of soil.
- 4
  Dig the planting hole the same depth as the pot in which the maypop is growing, but three times the width. Place the roots into the hole, and press the soil firmly around them and the base of the vine.
- 5
  Water the soil to a depth of 6 inches, and keep the soil moist until you see new growth. At that point, water the maypop weekly to 10 inches.
- 6
  Fertilize the maypop, four weeks after planting, with a 10-10-20 fertilizer at the rate listed on the label. Maypop requires little fertilizer, so an annual application should be sufficient.
- 7
  Allow the plant to die back in the fall, and avoid the urge to prune the old growth until spring. Wait until new growth is produced, and then prune off any dead stems and foliage. Leave the main stems intact.

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