Solanum muricatum, commonly known as the Melon Pear Plant or Pepino Melon, is a unique and exotic fruit-bearing plant that’s perfect for adding something different to your garden. Native to South America, this semi-tropical shrub produces sweet, melon-like fruits that resemble pears in shape. The fruits can be stored at room temperature for a couple of weeks, but they will lose quality quickly if refrigerated. To ensure the best taste and texture, it’s important to let the fruits ripen fully before harvesting. These fruits are deliciously refreshing, with a flavour that combines the best of melons and pears, making them a great addition to your fruit garden.
The plant itself is easy to grow and thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soil with plenty of sunlight. It’s a relatively compact plant, usually growing to around 3 feet in height, which makes it a great choice for smaller gardens, containers, or even indoor spaces with the right conditions. In addition to the tasty fruits, Solanum muricatum has attractive, soft green foliage and beautiful lavender-coloured flowers, adding visual interest to your garden year-round.
These fruits require a long growing season to ripen properly, so they should be grown in a warm greenhouse or polytunnel, where they can be protected from frost. With the right conditions, the fruits will be ready to harvest around September to October. Be sure to wait until they are fully mature to enjoy their sweet, melon-pear flavour at its peak. Not only does this plant produce delicious fruits, but it is also relatively low-maintenance, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced gardeners. Whether you're looking to grow something new or enjoy fresh, homegrown fruit, the Melon Pear Plant is an excellent choice for your garden. Height and spread: 1m (39in).
Please note: Unripe melon pears are poisonous and can cause stomach cramps and nausea due to their high solanine content.
Growing Information
Grow in a warm polytunnel or greenhouse protected from frost and grow in a similar way to a tomato, preferably in a greenhouse border otherwise in a large container of nutrient-rich compost. Support if necessary and feed with liquid tomato food once a week. Water regularly but avoid waterlogging. Fruit set is improved by growing more than one plant. Plants are perennial and can be overwintered in a frost free place if desired. The fruits should only be harvested and eaten once they have developed yellow/orange skin and distinct purple stripes. Unripe fruit is poisonous.
