What fertilizer should be applied during the passion fruit fruiting period?

Passion fruit, also known as egg fruit, is a vine plant belonging to the genus Passiflora in the family Passifloraceae. It is loved by tropical fruit lovers for its unique fruit shape and fragrant fruity aroma. Many farmers see its value and begin to plant passion fruit. So what kind of fertilizer should be applied during the fruiting period of passion fruit? Let’s take a look below.

1. What fertilizer should be applied during the passion fruit fruiting period?

1. Base fertilizer

Generally, organic fertilizer or microbial fertilizer is used as base fertilizer, and then mixed with calcium magnesium phosphate fertilizer or dolomite powder. The amount of fertilizer to be applied should be determined according to the fertility of the soil. If the soil is poor, increase the amount of fertilizer; if the soil is fertile, reduce the amount of fertilizer. Fertilizer can be applied to the soil by stirring, plowing, or rotary tilling.

2. Fertilizer in the seedling stage

You can start watering after transplanting the seedlings and wait a month before fertilizing. At this time, you can use 300 times diluted Sea Elf biostimulant root application type to promote root growth. Nitrogen fertilizer can be applied when it sprouts new leaves, 2-3 times a month.

3. Flower-promoting fertilizer

Apply pre-flowering fertilizer half a month before flowering or after putting the plants on the trellis. You can apply high-phosphorus and high-potassium compound fertilizer to improve the quality of flowers, thus ensuring the quality and quantity of flowering of the plants. Apply post-flowering fertilizer after the flowers wither. Do not apply fertilizer if there are few flowers.

4. Fruit-enhancing fertilizer

During the fruit setting period, you can continue to apply phosphorus fertilizer, with a frequency of 1-2 times a month. You should also increase the content of calcium and magnesium in the fertilizer. Be careful not to dig trenches when applying fertilizer to avoid damaging the root system of the plant. It is best to use the method of sprinkling fertilizer.

5. Foliar fertilization

In order to supplement nutrients, you can also use the method of "foliar fertilization", that is, foliar fertilization, which includes the early stage of flower bud differentiation, the bud stage, after flowering, the fruit swelling stage and the coloring stage. In the early stage of flower bud differentiation, you can spray 500 times of 15% paclobutrazol + 800 times of phosphorus and potassium source library on the leaves. In the bud stage, use 1000 times of boron source library + 1000-1500 times of cytokinin + 800 times of Sea Elf biostimulant foliar type.

After the flowers fade, use 1000-1500 times diluted cytokinin + 800 times diluted Sea Elf biostimulant foliar type. During the fruit swelling period, use 800 times diluted Phosphorus and Potassium Source Library + 1000 times diluted Gaishimei; during the coloring period, use 800 times diluted Red Library.

2. Planting methods and management of passion fruit

1. Site selection and land preparation

Choose a site with fertile soil, good drainage and plenty of sunlight for planting. One month before planting, deep plowing the land was carried out to allow the soil to be exposed to the sun and weathered to increase soil permeability. At the same time, according to the land conditions, add appropriate amount of farmyard manure to improve soil fertility.

2. Seedling selection and planting

Choose healthy and disease-free passion fruit seedlings , mainly cuttings or grafted seedlings. The best time for planting is spring, when the temperature is suitable and the roots grow fast. When planting, plant according to the appropriate density, generally 50-100 trees per acre.

3. Water and fertilizer management

Passion fruit needs sufficient water and nutrients during its growth. During the dry season, keep the soil moist and avoid excessive drying. At the same time, apply fertilizer reasonably according to the growth stage and needs of passion fruit. For example, in the early stages of growth, nitrogen fertilizer is used mainly to promote the growth of branches and leaves; in the flowering and fruiting period, the application of phosphorus fertilizer and potassium fertilizer is increased to improve fruit quality and yield.

4. Pruning and scaffolding

Prune passion fruit branches regularly, remove weak and diseased branches, and promote the growth of main branches. When the main branch reaches about 1.5 meters in length, pinch it to promote branch growth. In addition, in order to facilitate picking and management, appropriate supports need to be set up according to actual conditions.

5. Pest and disease control

Common diseases and pests of passion fruit include root rot, blight, aphids, thrips, etc. For these diseases and pests, prevention should be the main focus, and diseased plant remains should be handled in a timely manner to reduce the spread of pathogens. Once pests and diseases occur, comprehensive management can be carried out using a variety of methods such as biological control and chemical control.

6. Harvesting and storage

Passion fruit should be harvested promptly after it matures to avoid over-ripening and affecting quality. When harvesting, handle the fruits with care to avoid damage to the fruits. For fruits that need to be stored, they can be placed in a cool and ventilated place, avoiding direct sunlight and humid environment. Regular inspections should be carried out during storage and any abnormalities should be handled promptly.

7. Other matters needing attention

There are some details that need attention when growing passion fruit. For example, avoid pruning and harvesting on rainy days to prevent the wounds from being infected by bacteria; check the soil pH value regularly and make appropriate adjustments if necessary; and take timely measures to protect the orchard when encountering extreme weather conditions such as hail and strong winds.

In short, if you want to grow a good harvest of passion fruit, you need to do a good job of management in every aspect, from site selection and preparation, seedling selection and planting, water and fertilizer management, pruning and trellising, pest and disease control to harvesting and storage.