Solanum muricatum 20 seeds "Melon pear"

An evergreen Shrub growing to 1m by 1m. It is hardy to zone 9 and is frost tender. It is evergreen. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and requires well-drained soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It requires moist soil. Fruit - raw. A juicy, sweet aromatic and very agreeable flavour, somewhat like a honeydew melon. The skin of some varieties has a disagreeable flavour. The fruit contains 35mg vitamin C per 100g, 7% carbohydrates and 92% water. The fruit should be harvested just before it is fully ripe and will store for several weeks at room temperature. The fruit is about 10cm long and 6cm wide.Seed - sow early spring in a warm greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Give the plants some protection from the cold for at least their first winter outdoors.