The UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office is pleased to announce that the February “Plant of the Month” is passion fruit.
Passion fruit is a delicious and nutritional fruit that also produces a beautiful flower. Both the pulp and seeds are nutritious and can be eaten directly from the fruit. It is a source of nonheme iron, or plant-based iron and contains vitamins A and C, as well as fiber and potassium.
February is a good time to grow passion fruit in North Central Florida. Check the
Plant of the Month website for information on planting, harvesting, recipes, and more. Listen to the
Extension Cord Podcast to get further insights on the Plant of the Month.
“I am passionate about passion fruit!” said Alachua County Commissioner Mary Alford. “It reminds me of my childhood when my dad grew it knowing that I was fascinated by the beautiful and intricate purple flowers.”
The Plant of the Month program is a collaborative effort between the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners, UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County, Alachua County Master Gardener Volunteers, Alachua County Public Library, and Working Food.
For more information, contact the UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County at 352-955-2402. Visit the
Extension Office website for additional programs offered by the Extension Office.
An Equal Opportunity Institution. Extension Service, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Dr. Andra Johnson, Dean for UF/IFAS Extension. Single copies of Extension publications (excluding 4-H and youth publications) are available free to Florida residents from county Extension offices.