If you are thinking of growing passion fruits commercially, the trellis method is one of the most efficient and rewarding systems to adopt.
This climbing crop thrives when given proper support, and commercial farmers say a well-built trellis can make all the difference between a struggling garden and a profitable one.
Twaha Kakooza, a passion fruit farmer in Kayunga district, says his yields improved significantly after shifting to trellis farming.
“Passion fruits are natural climbers. When you provide a strong structure like a trellis made of poles and wires, the vines grow upright, get more sunlight, and produce healthier fruits,” he explains.
Kakooza adds that trellises also reduce disease.
“Because the fruits don’t touch the ground, they’re less likely to rot or be attacked by pests. It also makes harvesting easier and cleaner,” he says.
Grace Magoba, a passion fruit trader at Matugga market, says she prefers buying fruits grown on trellises.
“They are bigger, cleaner, and last longer on the shelf,” she notes.
She encourages farmers to adopt this method if they want to meet the quality demanded by buyers and exporters.
Deborah Nakiwala, a farmer in Kapeeka, also praises the method.
“It saves space. I can grow more vines in a small area and still get high yields. Maintenance becomes easier because I can see and manage each plant well,” she says.
Experts recommend starting with strong poles spaced about 2 metres apart and using galvanized wires to create horizontal lines for the vines to climb. Regular pruning and weeding around the base further boost productivity.
With proper care, the trellis method not only supports the plant but also supports the farmer’s dream of a reliable and profitable harvest.