Cut and whole Tzimbalo Melon Pears with flowers and leaves on a white background.
Tzimbalo Melon Pears arranged with blooms and leaves and a vintage penny on white.
An extreme close-up of a single Tzimbalo Melon Pear beside a stack of pennies on white.
A cluster of Tzimbalo Melon Pears fresh off the vine with a penny to show the size of the fruit.
One whole and one half of Tzimbalo Melon Pears on a high key background.
A trio of Tzimbalo Melon Pears sitting on pennies with some foliage and a tiny flower.
Cut and whole Tzimbalo Melon Pears with flowers and leaves on a white background.
Tzimbalo Melon Pears arranged with blooms and leaves and a vintage penny on white.
An extreme close-up of a single Tzimbalo Melon Pear beside a stack of pennies on white.
A cluster of Tzimbalo Melon Pears fresh off the vine with a penny to show the size of the fruit.
One whole and one half of Tzimbalo Melon Pears on a high key background.
A trio of Tzimbalo Melon Pears sitting on pennies with some foliage and a tiny flower.

Tzimbalo Melon Pear Seeds

3.421 ReviewsSKU: #GR135Min. seed count: 40
Price
Regular price $4.00
Regular price $0.00 Sale price $4.00
Save $-4
/
FREE SHIPPING IN THE U.S.A.
Faster shipping options also available.
Description

(Solanum caripense). This little tropical marvel, a relative of tomatoes and pepino, looks like a tiny watermelon and tastes like a tangy honeydew melon—although it’s not a true melon! About the size of a grape, it ripens to yellow or pale green with delicate striping and bursts with juicy, complex flavor, with hints of cucumber, melon, and citrus. This rare South American fruit produces abundantly over a long season, thriving in gardens and greenhouses, and can even be overwintered indoors. Started like tomatoes, it yields heavily from early August until frost in our Missouri gardens. Harvest when the fruit softens. Fun, unique, and absolutely delicious!

Growing Tips: Tzimbalo Melon Pear, a close wild relative of the Pepino (S. muricatum), produces small, egg-shaped fruits with purple stripes and a tart-sweet flavor. Native to the Andes, it thrives in mild climates with rich, well-drained soil. This subtropical perennial requires consistent moisture, ample sunlight, and protection from frost. Pruning can improve airflow and fruit production.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Solanum caripense
Life Cycle
Perennial in zones 9–11
Growth Habit
Vining
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
14–21
Days to Maturity
120–150
Planting Depth
⅛ in.
Plant Spacing
24–36 in.
Ideal Temperature
65–85°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before your last expected frost date. Transplant seedlings outdoors when soil has warmed and all danger of frost has passed. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep in seed-starting trays or small pots. Keep soil moist and warm (70–80°F) to encourage germination. Transplant seedlings when they have 4–6 true leaves, spacing them 24–36 inches apart in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. Harden off before transplanting to reduce transplant shock.

How to Grow

Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist but not soggy. Fertilize monthly with compost or balanced organic fertilizer. Stake or cage plants to support fruit-bearing stems and encourage airflow. In cooler zones, grow in containers and overwinter indoors. Fruits mature slowly and should be harvested when fragrant and fully colored.

How to Save Seeds

  • Let fruits fully ripen and begin to soften on the vine
  • Cut the melon open and scoop out seeds
  • Place seeds in a bowl of water and ferment for 1–2 days
  • Rinse and remove floating debris
  • Spread seeds on a screen or paper towel to dry thoroughly
  • Store in a cool, dry, dark place in labeled envelopes for up to 5 years

FAQ

Is Tzimbalo Melon Pear the same as Pepino melon?

Tzimbalo is closely related to Pepino (Solanum muricatum), but smaller, tarter, and more cold-sensitive. It is a distinct species (S. caripense) and is typically grown for its exotic fruit and ornamental value.

Can I grow Tzimbalo Melon Pear in a container?

Yes, it grows well in large containers with rich soil and good drainage. Use a trellis or cage for support. Container growing also allows you to bring plants indoors over winter in cold climates.

How long does it take for Tzimbalo to fruit?

Tzimbalo typically takes 4–5 months from transplanting to produce ripe fruit. In regions with short growing seasons, starting seeds early and/or growing in greenhouses or containers is recommended.

Customer reviews

3.4 / 5 21 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Easy to start: Germinates readily and grows into a big, sprawling plant.

  • Hundreds of fruits: Plants load up with small striped fruit all season.

  • Slow to ripen: Fruit takes most of the summer; short seasons may miss out.

  • Melon-like when ripe: Ripe fruit tastes of melon or kiwi; skip the tough rind.

  • Heads up: Flavor divides gardeners; unripe fruit is bitter, so wait.

You may also like