Pepino melon - Seeds

Solanum muricatum, commonly known as the pepino melon or sweet cucumber, is a plant native to the South American Andes and a member of the nightshade family. It is grown for its oval fruits with creamy-yellow skin and purple streaks, featuring a juicy, sweet, and refreshing flesh. Sensitive to cold, it thrives in warm, sunny climates with fertile, well-drained soil. It can be grown both in containers and in the ground, producing generous harvests under good conditions. Beyond its edible value, it is appreciated in home gardens for its attractive appearance and ease of cultivation.

How to sow Solanum muricatum seeds

S. muricatum seeds should be sown in spring in a light, fertile substrate. Soak the seeds in lukewarm water for 24 hours before sowing to improve germination. Sow them shallowly, just covering them with a thin layer of soil. Keep the substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged, and maintain a temperature between 20 °C and 25 °C. Germination typically occurs within 2 to 4 weeks. Once seedlings develop their first true leaves, transplant them into individual pots or outdoors in a sunny, sheltered location.