How to Grow Pepino in Australia
A warm-season fruit for the long-term patch
Growing Pepino at home is well within reach for most Australian gardeners, and this guide walks you through every step. It is rated beginner to grow. Saves ~$5-8/kg. Almost never in supermarkets. Easy to grow from cuttings.
This guide covers when to plant Pepino in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to plant it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Pepino is a warm-season crop, half-hardy (it takes light frost but not a hard freeze). In subtropical South-East Queensland it is best planted in September, October and November. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Varieties to Try
Pepino Gold
Golden-striped fruit with sweet melon flavour. The most common Australian variety.
Try: Daleys, Bunnings (sometimes), garden centres
Position and Soil
Give Pepino full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 6 to 7. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It grows happily in a pot of 30cm+, which makes it a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
Planting
Plant Pepino into a well-prepared hole the same depth as the rootball and twice as wide. Allow about 60 cm between plants (more for full-size trees) so each has room and airflow. Water in well, stake if needed, and keep the area weed-free while it establishes.
Solanum muricatum. Melon-like fruit on a tomato-family plant. Sweet, juicy, mild rockmelon-cucumber flavour. Easy to grow from cuttings. Productive in warm climates. Semi-perennial in frost-free zones. Sprawling habit, benefits from staking.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 5 L per plant every 3 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Fruit fly and Aphids. The main diseases to watch are Few. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Pepino is typically ready to harvest in around 120 days (about 4 months). Ripen on bench until fragrant and slightly soft. Fridge for 1 week.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, pepino is good eaten fresh when fully ripe and golden, added to fruit salads, juiced or blended into drinks and used as a garnish. Nutritionally: high in vitamin C and low calorie, hydrating fruit.
Companion Planting
Pepino grows well alongside Tomato and Capsicum. Keep it away from Potato. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Pepino Growing
Add pepino to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Pepino in Australia?
Pepino is a warm-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is best planted in September, October and November. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Pepino take to grow?
Pepino is generally ready to harvest in around 120 days (about 4 months).
Can I grow Pepino in a pot?
Yes. Pepino grows well in a container of 30cm+ with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Pepino need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Pepino in the Plant Library
