Pepino (Solanum muricatum) is an eye-catching ornamental plant featuring glossy green foliage and smooth, rounded fruiting displays marked with subtle striping. Its compact form makes it popular in containers, border gardens, and patio décor. With proper care, the plant produces clusters of soft purple-white blossoms followed by unique decorative fruits that add interest to warm-season gardens.
This visually striking plant thrives in sunny outdoor conditions and adds vibrant seasonal structure to garden landscapes.
Features
• Distinctive egg-shaped ornamental fruiting displays
• Compact shrub-like growth for containers and borders
• Purple-white blossoms support beneficial pollinators
• Decorative warm-climate plant for patio and garden displays
• Non-GMO Solanum muricatum heirloom seed variety
Specifications
• Common Name: Pepino (ornamental type)
• Scientific Name: Solanum muricatum
• Plant Type: Perennial ornamental fruiting plant (grown as annual in cooler climates)
• USDA Zones: 9–11 perennial; annual in colder zones
• Height: 18–36 inches
• Spread: 18–30 inches
• Foliage: Glossy green elongated leaves
• Flower Color: Purple-white star-shaped clusters
• Fruiting Display: Oval, smooth, striped ornamental pods
• Bloom/Fruiting Season: Mid-summer through early fall
• Growth Habit: Bushy, branching plant
• Heirloom: Yes
• GMO Status: Non-GMO
• Organic: Not certified organic
• Light Requirements: Full sun preferred
• Soil Preference: Well-drained, fertile soil
• Water Needs: Moderate and consistent moisture
• Pollinator Value: Flowers attract bees and beneficial insects
• Maintenance Level: Moderate
• Plant Spacing: 18–24 inches
• Seed Viability: 2–4 years stored cool and dry
Planting Guide
• Start indoors 6–10 weeks before last frost date.
• Sow seeds ¼ inch deep in moist, well-drained soil.
• Maintain a warm germination temperature (70–85°F).
• Germination may take 7–21 days depending on conditions.
• Transplant to full sun after frost has passed.
• Provide light support if branches become heavy with display pods.
• Water regularly; avoid waterlogging.
• Ideal for decorative containers, raised beds, and patio gardens.
