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Tzimbalo Melon Pear Seeds (Certified Organic)

With its exotic appearance, complex taste, and generous yield, Tzimbalo is a rewarding, unique addition to any edible garden, perfect for gardeners eager to explore rare and delicious fruits.

Availability: In stock

$3.50
All orders are hand-packaged and may take UP TO FOUR weeks to SHIP.
Thank you for your patience during this time.

Details

The Tzimbalo (Solanum caripense), also known as Tzimbalo Melon Pear, is a rare, delightful fruit native to South America and a lesser-known member of the Solanaceae (nightshade) family, closely related to tomatoes, eggplants, and pepino melons. This tropical marvel produces grape-sized fruits resembling miniature watermelons, featuring pale green or yellow skin delicately striped with darker green. Its unique, juicy flavor combines tangy honeydew melon, cucumber, and citrus notes. Identifying ripeness can be subtle; the fruit gradually darkens and becomes shinier, so patience is essential—waiting an additional week or two ensures optimal sweetness.

Tzimbalo grows vigorously as a sprawling plant, thriving in gardens, greenhouses, or large pots, reaching about 3 feet tall when supported by cages. It prefers warm climates but can be overwintered indoors in cooler regions. When grown similarly to tomatoes, it produces abundant harvests from early August until the first frost. Fruits are best picked when slightly soft. With its exotic appearance, complex taste, and generous yield, Tzimbalo is a rewarding, unique addition to any edible garden, perfect for gardeners eager to explore rare and delicious fruits.

Michigan Seeds and Plants grown on our farm, Renegade Acres, in Howell, MI!

Certified Organic by Oregon Tilth.

Additional Info

Botanical Name Solanum caripense
Life Cycle Annual
Min. Time to Germinate 14 Days
Max. Time to Germinate 25 Days
Depth to Sow Seeds Surface Sow; press seeds gently into the soil to make good contact, but do not cover with any additional soil; these seeds require light to germinate
When to Sow Indoors 6-8 weeks before last spring frost
Growing Height 24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
Plant Spacing 24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
Hardiness N/A
Sun Exposure Full Sun
Danger N/A
Bloom Color White/Near White
Other Details Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Soil pH Requirements 6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic), 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral), 7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Days to Harvest 120-130
Propagation Methods From seed; sow indoors before last frost
Seed Collecting Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds, Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored, Remove fleshy coating on seeds before storing
Seeds Per Pack 10