Pepino Seeds - Fruit Plant for Home Gardens

Pepino, botanically known as Solanum muricatum, is a small perennial shrub grown for its spreading growth habit and fruiting characteristics. It develops soft, branching stems with green leaves and produces small flowers followed by oval fruits during the growing season. This plant adapts well to warm and mild climates and performs best in full sun with well-drained, fertile soil. Pepino is commonly grown in garden beds, containers, and greenhouse environments, where it establishes from seeds under warm conditions and grows steadily with consistent moisture.

Features

• Low-growing shrub with spreading, branching growth
• Produces small flowers followed by oval fruits
• Suitable for garden beds, containers, and greenhouse cultivation
• Adapted to warm and mild climates
• Establishes readily from seeds

Specifications

• Scientific name: Solanum muricatum
• Common name (US): Pepino Melon
• Seed type / variety: Standard variety
• Growth habit: Perennial shrub (often grown as annual)
• USDA zones: 9-11
• Planting season: Spring to early summer
• Growing season: Spring to fall
• Sowing Season:
  • Spring: March to May
  • Early Summer: June
• Germination time and conditions: 1-3 weeks at 20-25°C
• Sunlight requirements: Full sun
• Soil requirements: Well-drained, fertile soil
• Watering needs: Moderate, consistent moisture
• Mature plant size: 60-120 cm height, 60-120 cm spread
• Plant spacing: 45-60 cm between plants