Pepino is popularly called melon pear and pear melon. It is an unusual plant with a pear flavor and a melon shape. In fact, this is a nightshade plant, the closest relatives of which are tomatoes and physalis.
This plant germinates well from seed, so there will be no problems with growing. But first you need to decide on the variety. The two most famous options are Consuelo and Ramses. Shoots “Consuelo” purple, grow up to 2 m. Fruits are slightly flattened, cream, with a dense crust, weigh up to 1,3 kg. Sweet with sourness and juicy. Melon taste is distinctly noticeable. Ramses has green shoots, but may have purple specks. The fruits are elongated, with an abundance of seeds. The taste is pleasant, the taste of melon is almost not felt.
Pepino is a distant relative of tomatoes
Seed germination is the same regardless of the variety. In January, sow seeds in pots with light soil, cover them with foil and put them in a place with a temperature of 25-28 ° C. Seedlings will appear quickly, but they are very weak before the third leaf appears. After the appearance of this leaf, dive the seedlings. Build greenhouses over it so that it can grow freely.
Before planting, loosen the soil and add organic matter. Transplant the seedlings into moist soil in a checkerboard pattern. Lower the seedlings into the ground 3 cm. The distance between the shoots is 40 cm. Perform the procedure after sunset to avoid excessive moisture loss. Until the seedlings are strong, water them every 2 days. She loves moisture.
Here are the main steps in leaving:
- Regular loosening of the soil and cleaning of weeds.
- Fertilization with organic fertilizing. Perform this procedure for the first time immediately after rooting, and the second time at the time of fruit formation.
- Watering the plants as needed.
It is important to protect the bushes from insect pests, as they are very fond of it. The most common attacks are Colorado beetles, aphids, whiteflies and spider mites. Use appropriate chemicals or alternative methods for prevention.
Another obligatory element of care is pinching, that is, the removal of stepchildren. They need to be cut when they grow to 3-5 cm. Do not cut the stepsons at the root, leave 1 cm so that new ones do not form. Also, to form a plant, its central post is tied vertically.
Growing pepino at home is not a problem. If you are an avid gardener, try to grow this unusual plant, you can definitely surprise everyone you know.