Midland Summary Setting up a trellis system for new plantings and training the young vines are described, as well as seasonal pruning techniques. Trellising Passion vines need to climb on a strong support to about 1.8 m high in rows about 3 m apart and 4 to 5 m between plants. The posts carry two wires, one about 10 cm from the top of the post and the other about 70 cm below the top wire. Fix a crosspiece about 50 cm long to the top of each post 1.5 m high, with three wires equally spaced along the top of the 'T'. This arrangement allows better aeration and drying of the vines after rain.
Dead leaves fall to the ground, which helps to control brown spot fungus.
This trellis also lends itself to mechanical pruning, but can be a problem in more windy areas. Once the young vine has established itself after transplanting, a number of shoots will form at the base. Select one, two, or four of the strongest shoots and remove all other growth. Fix one or two light stakes firmly beside each vine, long enough to reach the upper wire and tie securely to the wires. As the shoots elongate, lightly twist them around the stakes and tie them at intervals.