Pepino
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Landscaping
With its bushy growth habit, pepino can be used to create attractive garden borders. Its vibrant foliage and flowers can create a lush edge. Perfect for patios, balconies and small urban gardens.
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Culinary & Nutrition
Pepino offers a unique flavour profile that is both reminiscent of a melon and a cucumber. Pepino can be eaten raw as a refreshing snack. It can be sliced and added to fruit or green salads, or served with yogurt and honey for a light dessert, also excellent ingredient for smoothies (with Bananas and berries). Great in desserts or even grilled as a side dish.
Low in calories, good source of vitamin A and C, as well as fibre. High in antioxidants.
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Growing Conditions
Pepino grows best in full sunlight with well-drained, sandy loam soil rich in organic matter, or a good quality container mix. Water regularly during dry spells. Protect from frost. Trim when new growth appears in early spring.
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Pepino El Camino, also known as the sweet cucumber, is a delightful fruiting plant well-suited for growing in a variety of Australian climates. This hardy plant produces oval-shaped, yellow to green fruits that are sweet and juicy, offering a unique flavour profile reminiscent of a mix between a melon and a cucumber, almost like a rock melon.
The growth habit of Pepino El Camino makes it an excellent choice for small gardens, container planting, or even larger vegetable patches. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, typically reaching maturity from December. Regular watering and occasional fertilisation will ensure the plant remains healthy and productive.
The fruits can be enjoyed fresh, added to salads, or used in smoothies, providing not only delicious flavour but also a wealth of nutrients. High in vitamin A and vitamin C as well as folate.
Solanum muricatum ‘El Camino’