How to Grow Pepino in New Zealand
A frost-tender sprawling plant that crops well in warm sheltered gardens and pots. Plant in spring after frost and stake or support the lax growth. Easy to grow on from cuttings each year.
When to plant pepino in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | March, April, September, October, November |
| Auckland | March, April, September, October, November |
| Waikato & BoP | March, April, September, October, November |
| Wellington | March, April, October, November, December |
| Nelson & Marlborough | March, April, October, November, December |
| Canterbury | November |
| Otago & Southland | November |
Best pepino varieties for NZ
- Pepino Gold — Sweet juicy melon-pear fruit on a sprawling tomato-family plant, easy from cuttings. (garden centres, Incredible Edibles)
How to grow pepino
- Space plants about 60cm apart.
- Sow seed around 1cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 120 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 14 days.
Companion planting
Grow pepino near: Tomato, Capsicum.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Tomato/potato psyllid, Aphids, Whitefly. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Pepino plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant pepino in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in March, April, September, October, November. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy pepino seeds or plants in NZ?
Try garden centres, Incredible Edibles.