A relatively new addition to private fruit growing is the melon pear. It is a perennial nightshade plant that originated in South America. Cultivation in our climate requires a lot of care. As a reward for the effort, a special taste experience awaits.

The melon pear is anything but easy to care for

Daily watering work in summer

As soon as the melon pear, also known as pepino, begins its annual growth in May, it needs a lot of water until October. In doing so, it not only sets requirements in terms of quantity, the quality should also be right. Here is an overview in bullet points:

  • the soil must always remain moist
  • however, no moisture should collect
  • If necessary, place stones between the pot and the planter as spacers
  • low-lime, soft water is preferred
  • e.g. B. rainwater or (chemical-free) pond water
  • water only moderately in winter so that the soil does not dry out completely

Provide nutrients during the growth phase

If you plant a new melon pear, botanically Solanum muricatum, or repot an existing specimen after hibernation, the soil will have enough nutrients for about 4-8 weeks. Provided you have bought a rich soil or mixed in compost. In addition, bi-weekly low-nitrogen fertilization makes sense:

  • fertilize from May to October
  • with a complete fertilizer for fruit or vegetables
  • alternatively with mature compost
  • Nettle manure is also ideal

tips

A Pepino watered with pond water may require less fertilizer. Because droppings from aquatic animals, parts of plants and residues from animal feed enrich it with nutrients.

Pruning and picking for a better harvest

By cutting back, the plant stays vital and the harvest is more plentiful. You can also influence the fruit size with the scissors.

  • exhausted at flowering time
  • i.e. H. remove all flowerless shoots
  • other shoots then form more flowers
  • Shorten shoots for larger fruit
  • remove damaged and wilted shoots
  • always cut only on dry days

tips

If you make heavy cuts, for example to limit the size of the plants, you should sprinkle the numerous cut areas with charcoal ash. They dry faster and the wounds close quickly.

Check for pests and diseases

As a nightshade plant, the melon pear must be protected from diseases and pests that also attack well-known nightshade plants such as potatoes or tomatoes. Early detection increases the chances of successful control. Check the plant regularly for lice and Colorado potato beetles, as well as any changes that may indicate potato powdery mildew or another disease.

Repot after wintering

Since the melon pear is not hardy, it is usually cultivated in a large bucket. The soil is no longer fresh after a year and should be replaced with new ones. This is a good opportunity to give the plant a slightly larger pot as well. The best time for annual repotting is when you move out of your winter quarters.

Perennial only with safe overwintering

You cannot overwinter a melon pear outside, because even the lightest frost will destroy it. If you are content with one year's cultivation, that is where the care ends. Otherwise, move the crop to a bright room at around 10°C, where it must remain until around mid-May. During the winter, occasionally water the Pepino with a little water.

Category:

Vegetable garden