With the melon pear, also called pear melon or pepino, there is no way around overwintering. Because in this country it is simply too cold for them in winter. You can find out here when you have to provide her with a frost-free place and how much care you will have to pay for it.
How should you overwinter the melon pear?
The melon pear should overwinter in winter at temperatures between 5 and 10 °C and in a bright environment. In the winter quarters, watering should be carried out sparingly, checking for pest infestation and discarding fallen leaves. Fertilizing is not necessary.
This temperature range is tolerated
While the nightshade plant, which comes from South America, requires plenty of sun in the summer, it can also be cooler in the winter. It will be able to withstand temperatures of up to around 10 °C outdoors, 5 °C is just bearable. Subzero temperatures, on the other hand, cause the plant to freeze from tip to root because it is not hardy at all.
So if you've been thinking about overwintering your melon pear outside, you should drop it as quickly as possible. Instead, put the Pepino away as long as the temperature outside is tolerable for it. This can be the case from the end of September to mid-May.
Note:The hardiness trait is not that easy to breed. The “Suger Gold” variety, which is often offered and very popular in this country, also has to overwinter safely.
This winter home is an option
The room in which a melon pear is safe in winter offers it temperature values between 5 and 10 °C and a lot of brightness. In addition, it should have enough space so that it does not come into contact with other plants.
The melon pear should not be overwintered either cooler or warmer. If you don't have a suitable overwintering option at home, you can ask friends or a nursery about overwintering options. Otherwise, you have no choice but to cultivate the plant as an annual.
Tip
If there is a lack of space in the winter quarters or it is not bright enough there, you can cut back the melon pear.
Existence in winter quarters
Care in winter also includes the following points:
- restrained watering
- just enough so that the root ball doesn't dry out
- regular checks for pest infestation
- Collecting and disposing of fallen leaves
Fertilizing can be completely avoided during the winter. At the end of the wintering period, the melon pear gets fresh soil and, if necessary, a slightly larger pot.
The thing about the harvest
It may well be that the harvest has not yet been fully harvested at the beginning of the wintering period. Fruits that are still attached to the plant are allowed to ripen in the winter quarters..
