…in part shade, albeit more demurely. Last year we grew gotu kola (Centella asiatica, Apiaceae) and jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum, Curcubitaceae) in the shade created by a tee-pee bamboo trellis covered by a passionflower vine. For more on germinating passionflower seeds, see my article, Passionflower, from seed to fruit and back again. Botany Passionflower’s floral arrangement is so unique that early…
…with scarification. Scarification of Passionflower seeds Passionflower germinating Passionflower germinates in warm temperatures (70 degrees F plus) and can be transplanted when it develops its “true” leaves. Hold on to your seed tray as it will often continue to germinate over time. Passionflower vine on a bamboo trellis Passionflower flower Pick your fruit when it begins to turn yellow and…
…If you live in a hot climate, consider planting passionflower where it will get shade by mid-afternoon. Plant in well-drained to average garden soil. Passionflower is hardy to zone 6 and is frost-tender. It’s a bit tricky to grow passionflower from seed. Scarify the seeds by rubbing them between sandpaper and then place them in damp sand in the refrigerator…
…the height of its bloom—but be careful; this plant is prickly! – Passionflower harvest (Passiflora incarnata) 3. Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata, Passifloraceae) Passionflower is a native vine to the southeastern United States, with gorgeous flowers and interesting foliage. It is weedy in much of its range and fairly easy to grow elsewhere, especially if given a wall or trellis to climb….
…that has worked well in my garden is passionflower, comfrey, gotu kola, and jiaogulan. The passionflower climbs up a trellis made out of a bamboo tripod, which creates a leafy teepee of shade and moisture. Gotu kola and jiaogulan prefer, in my climate, part sun and a little extra moisture, which the towering passionflower vine provides quite nicely. Both gotu…
…Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra, G. uralensis) Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) Red root (Ceanothus spp.) Vitex; Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus) – Passionflower seeds being scarified with sandpaper – Transplanting Medicinal Herbs Transplanting is a tender and exciting event—a graduation of sorts for your growing seedlings. If you’ve been pampering your young ones in a sunny window, under…
…and people involved. Doug Wolkon, one of the co-founders of the gardens, generously spent an afternoon with us, showing us around the plantings and apothecary. Doug Wolkon, cofounder of Kauai Farmacy, adorned with annatto facepaint I was delighted to find shoulder-high ashwagandha and tulsi growing right alongside cacao trees laden with pendulous purple pods. Picture clambering passionflower chumming it up…
…matchmaker by pairing gotu kola with passionflower vine (Passiflora incarnata). Passionflower is trained up a tipi-type trellis, providing shade and holding in moisture for its creeping companion, who, in turn, suppresses weeds. As a container plant, gotu kola prefers a shallow, broad pot with a saucer underneath to help keep it moist. You may need to water your plants every…
Hibiscus Mint Herbal Iced Tea with Key Lime Ice Cubes Written and Photographed by Juliet Blankespoor Hibiscus Mint Herbal Iced Tea. OK, I have been having way too much fun with ice cubes. Meanwhile I’ve been working on a more medical piece on passionflower, which I hope to post within the month. But for now, I leave you with this…
…is stronger than one might expect: slightly bitter, mildly astringent and very aromatic. A little goes a long way. Try combining it with rose petals, mint, chamomile or passionflower for insomnia and decompression. I prefer the external use of essential oil or the ingestion of tea rather than the tincture, but the tincture is serviceable for those who avoid tea…
