Solanum muricatum
Pepino
Common names: Melon pear
Photo: Michael Wolf · CC BY 2.5 · Source
This description was machine-translated.
Description
The Pepino, botanically Solanum muricatum, originates from the Andes and produces aromatic, melon‑sweet fruits in late summer. It grows as a loose, semi‑shrub with soft, velvety leaves, typically reaching 50 to 100 cm in height. In our region it thrives best in a pot, preferring warm, wind‑protected conditions similar to chili or bell pepper plants. Mature fruits are identified by a creamy yellow base color with violet streaks and taste best when fully ripe straight from the plant.
Care instructions
Plant the Pepino after the last frost, around mid‑May (week 20), either outdoors or in a large pot with nutrient‑rich, well‑draining soil. It requires a sunny, warm location and consistent moisture; never allow the soil to dry out completely, but avoid waterlogging. During the growing season, feed regularly with compost or diluted nettle tea. Before the first frost, bring the plant indoors and overwinter it in a bright, cool place at 5 to 10 °C, as with chili. In spring prune the shoots back to encourage new growth.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
well-drained, humus-rich, nutrient-rich, moist
Feeding
Heavy feeder
Companion planting
Good neighbors
asparagus family (Asparagaceae)
particularly well establishedAsparagus and tomato benefit from each other. The tomato keeps the asparagus beetle away, and the asparagus repels threadworms that harm the tomato.
For example AsparagusFunkieBluebellMuscariHyacinthAmerican Agave
Source: classic companion planting (DACH-Gartenpraxis)
mint family (Lamiaceae)
particularly well establishedYou will find that basil next to tomato and pepper improves taste and keeps whiteflies and aphids away.
For example LavenderThymeBasilRosemarySageHyssop and 31 more species in the catalogue
Source: classic companion planting (DACH-Gartenpraxis)
borage family (Boraginaceae)
Borage attracts pollinators and is supposed to keep tomato pests away from the nightshade family.
For example BoragoCommon comfreyPhaceliaForget-me-notNatternkopfSwamp Forget-Me-Not and one more species in the catalogue
Source: organic greenhouse companion planting practice
Rather not
amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae)
Onions slow down the growth of nightshade family plants next to potatoes and tomatoes; the classic crop-rotation rule also applies in the bed side by side.
For example GarlicOnionLeekChivesDaffodilRocambole and 12 more species in the catalogue
Source: basic crop-rotation rule
daisy family (Asteraceae)
Sunflowers release substances into the soil that inhibit potato tuber growth, and they also compete for water and nutrients.
For example Head lettuceTagetes patulaCalendulaSunflowerCommon coneflowerFall Aster and 57 more species in the catalogue
Source: basic crop-rotation rule
gourd family (Cucurbitaceae)
You should avoid planting potato and cucumber together because they share disease pathogens such as leaf and brown rot and stand in each other's way as strong feeders.
For example CucumberPumpkinCourgettepickling cucumberButternutHokkaido and 14 more species in the catalogue
Source: basic crop-rotation rule
Companion planting is partly traditional gardening lore. Where the reason is known, it is given.
Some of these explanations were machine-translated.
Diseases & pests
1 relevantFrom the knowledge base, automatically linked by affected species. How to spot and prevent them is covered in full in the lexicon.
Tuta absoluta
The tomato leafminer (Tuta absoluta) is a small moth whose caterpillars feed inside the leaves and fruit of tomatoes and their relatives.
More on Tomato leafminerNotes from real gardens
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