Pepino (Melon Pear)

Vegetable

• Crops in : 95 days

Description

Tomato Relative - Bush.

Unusual round to egg-shaped fruits are cream skinned with purple streaks. The deliciously sweet and juicy flesh of the Melon Pear has a taste and aroma similar to melon, and can be eaten in a similar way.

Pepino is ideal for growing in the greenhouse or in a sheltered sunny spot outdoors in a container, as the plants need warmth to flower and fruit successfully.

Sowing Instructions

Sowing time: March to April.

Place seeds on the surface of a free draining compost and cover with a fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Place in a propagator at 18-21C (65-70F) until after germination, which takes 7-10 days. Do not exclude light as this helps germination.

Growing Instructions

Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3 in) pots. Plant in final situation when 10cm (4in) high, 45cm (18in) apart. For indoor crops, plant into growbags or pots.

Aftercare

Feed weekly with a high potash tomato fertiliser once first fruits have set.