What Is a Pepino Melon?
The pepino melon (Solanum muricatum) is a sweet, mild-flavored fruit native to South America. Often called pepino dulce or melon pear, it resembles a small melon with smooth yellow skin streaked with purple. The flesh is juicy, delicate, and tastes like a mix of honeydew melon and cucumber. Unlike many exotic fruits, pepino melons are surprisingly easy to grow in home gardens or containers, making them a unique yet low-maintenance addition.
Choosing the Right Variety
Several pepino melon varieties are available, each with slight differences in taste, size, and hardiness. Popular cultivars include:
- Ecuadorian Gold – Sweet, golden-yellow fruit with purple stripes.
- New Yorker – Compact plants with medium-sized, flavorful fruit.
- Miski Prolific – High-yielding variety with aromatic flesh.
Choose a cultivar that suits your climate. Most thrive in warm conditions but can adapt to cooler regions with protection.
Growing Conditions for Pepino Melons
Pepino melons prefer conditions similar to tomatoes but are slightly more cold-sensitive. Here's what they need for optimal growth:
Climate & Temperature
Pepinos grow best in USDA zones 9–11 but can be cultivated as annuals in cooler climates. They thrive at temperatures between 65–85°F (18–29°C) and may need protection from frost.
Sunlight
Provide at least 6–8 hours of full sun per day. In hot climates, partial afternoon shade can prevent sunscald.
Soil Requirements
Well-draining, loamy soil rich in organic matter works best. Aim for a pH between 6.0–7.5. If growing in containers, use a high-quality potting mix.
Planting Pepino Melons
You can grow pepino melons from seeds or cuttings, but cuttings are often preferred for quicker fruit production.
Starting from Seeds
- Soak seeds for 24 hours before planting.
- Sow seeds ¼ inch deep in seed-starting mix.
- Keep soil moist and warm (70–80°F) for germination.
Seeds may take 2–4 weeks to sprout. Transplant seedlings after the last frost when they have 3–4 true leaves.
Growing from Cuttings
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings from healthy plants.
- Remove lower leaves and dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in moist potting mix and keep in bright, indirect light.
Roots develop in 3–4 weeks, after which cuttings can be transplanted.
Caring for Pepino Melon Plants
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering as fruits ripen to enhance sweetness.
Fertilizing
Use a balanced fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during the growing season. Compost or fish emulsion works well for organic growing.
Pruning & Support
Pepinos benefit from staking or trellising. Prune excess foliage to improve air circulation and focus energy on fruiting.
Harvesting and Storing Pepino Melons
Pepinos ripen 30–90 days after flowering. Harvest when the skin turns yellow with purple streaks and the fruit feels slightly soft. Store at room temperature until fully ripe, then refrigerate for up to a week.
Common Problems & Solutions
- Aphids & Whiteflies – Use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Powdery Mildew – Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
- Fruit Drop – Often caused by inconsistent watering. Mulch to retain moisture.