How to grow pepino
Overview
Pepino (Solanum muricatum) is a small, shrubby perennial fruit crop from the Solanaceae family, prized for its sweet, melon-like flavour and attractive striped fruit. It is grown for both its edible harvest and ornamental value, but requires frost-free conditions and consistent warmth to produce well.
Varieties
- Pepino Gold — A popular Australian variety with golden-yellow skin and purple stripes, known for its sweet, melon-like flavour.
- Sugarloaf — A compact, early-fruiting variety with good disease resistance, suited to smaller gardens and pots.
Soil Preparation
Pepino prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0–7.0) with good drainage. Before planting, enrich with well-rotted compost or aged manure, and add a handful of dolomite lime if soil is acidic. Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged sites.
Growing Guide
Plant pepino in a warm, sheltered position with full sun and well-drained, fertile soil. Space plants 60–80 cm apart in rows or as individual specimens. For best results, start from cuttings or transplants after the last frost, and maintain steady moisture without waterlogging. Mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, and support plants with a stake or trellis to keep fruit off the ground.
Sowing
Pepino is rarely grown from seed in home gardens; it is more commonly propagated from cuttings or purchased transplants. Seeds can be sown in spring at 5 mm depth in seed-raising mix, but germination is slow and variable. For reliable results, use cuttings from a healthy plant.
Care
Feed pepino monthly with a balanced, low-nitrogen fertiliser (e.g., 2:3:6) during the growing season to encourage fruit over foliage. Prune lightly after harvest to remove old or crowded stems and shape the plant. Support with a stake or trellis to keep fruit clean and off the ground.
Companion Planting
Pepino benefits from being grown near basil, marigolds, and nasturtiums, which help repel pests and attract pollinators. Avoid planting near potatoes or other Solanaceae to reduce disease carryover, and keep away from heavy feeders like corn that compete for nutrients.
Common Pests & Risks
Common pests include aphids, two-spotted mites, and fruit fly (especially in warmer regions). Control aphids with neem oil or insecticidal soap, and manage fruit fly with baiting or netting. Powdery mildew can occur in humid conditions; improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
Harvesting
Harvest pepino when the fruit turns fully yellow or orange with purple stripes and develops a strong, sweet fragrance. The fruit should yield slightly to pressure; pick by hand or snip the stem, and store at room temperature for a few days to enhance flavour.
In the Kitchen
Pepino is eaten fresh, peeled or sliced, with a sweet, melon-like flavour. It can be added to fruit salads, smoothies, or used as a dessert topping. Store ripe fruit in the fridge for up to a week; unripe fruit will soften at room temperature.
Troubleshooting
Yellow leaves: often from overwatering or poor drainage; reduce water and check soil. Brown leaf edges: likely from salt burn or dry air; flush soil and mulch. Fruit drop: caused by inconsistent watering or heat stress; maintain steady moisture. Powdery mildew: white coating on leaves; improve air flow and apply sulfur spray. Poor fruit set: lack of pollinators; hand-pollinate or grow flowers nearby.