Growing Passion Fruit in Tharaka Nithi
Soil suitability analysis based on Tharaka Nithi's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Tharaka Nithi is moderately suited to Passion Fruit. Tharaka Nithi's soil (pH 4.99, strongly acidic) gives Passion Fruit a suitability score of 56/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Passion Fruit can be grown in Tharaka Nithi County, but the soil scores 56/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 4.99 the soil is strongly acidic, below Passion Fruit's preferred 5.5–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.23 g/kg), phosphorus (19.6 mg/kg) and potassium (211 mg/kg) all meet Passion Fruit's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Passion Fruit, which favours loam. Passion Fruit's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 560,000/acre at KES 70/kg), but at Tharaka Nithi's 56/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 5,600 kg/acre (~KES 392,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Tharaka Nithi soil | Passion Fruit needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 4.99 | 5.5–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.23 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 19.6 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 211 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 900 mm | 900–1,800 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,100 m | 1,200–2,500 m | Low |
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag