Growing Pepino

[jayb]

I really like Pepino's, but have only ever grown them as a unpruned bush. I came across this, looks amazing



http://brisbanelocalfood.ning.com/profiles/blogs/pepino
I can't get my head around how you start to trelis them and would it work well in the UK. Any ideas?

[Galina]

And would we ever get them to this size? Amazing!

[jayb]

Lol, wouldn't it be lovely!
I've had some not far off those, but not such a crop, I can only dribble looking.
I've been looking at my plants I've got one pepino that does look to be more upright, the leaves are a bit different than usual. But I've probably left it a bit late to start with it, I've got a younger plant that might work, though I'm not sure quite what to do, perhaps treat it along the lines of a vine tomato? They do look quite tall, I'm sure mine have never grown that height.

[jayb]

I'd forgotten all about trying to stake one of these!
I've some baby fruit forming on a couple of plants

[Galina]

Are they perennial? Congratulation on the developing fruit.

[jayb]

Yes, pretty sure they are, but I've never managed to overwinter them in the greenhouse, although they keep going for quite a while even when it is quite cold. Cuttings root quite easily though and are ok if kept in the house. I've never really managed to get ripe fruit summer/autumn it's more autumn/winter, which is good because fresh homegrown fruit is a bit sparse in December!

[jayb]

Some slimey blighter has been having a munch on one of the baby fruits!

[jayb]

I seem to have two fruiting types a white and a pale green, shape is quite different too. No large fruits yet all pretty small and lots more flowers to come, fingers crossed for some nice weather and a good fruit set.

[Galina]

They are just so pretty ! nasty slugs ! Good luck

[jayb]

Still quite small and no stripes yet.

[jayb]

I should have pruned my overwintered pepinos (sp?) better, they have been pushed outside and in need of a little tlc to 'pep them up a little. Hoping for some earlier fruit this year, but to be honest I'm happy even if they are late again. If anything it is more of a treat come winter time.

[Galina]

Were they in the poly over winter? You mentioned quite recently eating a fruit. Looks like the keep going without much problem. How old is this plant?

[Galina]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solanum_muricatum

Wiki has the answer. They survive down to -2.5C unless this temperature is prolonged. They are perennial and are best multiplied by cuttings.