Ever dreamed of growing exotic tropical fruits in your own garden? Let me introduce you to cocona, an fascinating fruit that’s gaining popularity among adventurous gardeners. While it might sound challenging to grow cocona fruit from seed, I’ll walk you through every step of the process, sharing insights from my own experience and expert tips to ensure your success.
What is Cocona Fruit?
Cocona (Solanum sessiliflorum), also known as Peach Tomato, Orinoko Apple, or Turkey Berry, is a tropical fruit native to the Amazon Basin. It’s a fascinating member of the nightshade family, related to tomatoes and eggplants. Think of it as nature’s perfect blend between a tomato and a tropical fruit – with a unique twist that makes it special.
Different Varieties of Cocona
There are four main types of cocona fruit you might encounter:
- Small red/purple fruits (about ping-pong ball size)
- Large yellow apple-like fruits
- Pear-shaped yellow-orange fruits
- Medium-sized yellow fruits (popular for juicing)
Benefits of Growing Cocona
Before we dive into the growing process, let’s explore why you might want to add this unique fruit to your garden:
- Nutritional Value:
- Rich in iron and vitamin B5
- High in calcium and phosphorous
- Contains carotene, thiamin, and riboflavin
- Low in calories but high in dietary fiber
- Culinary Versatility:
- Fresh eating (when properly ripened)
- Juicing
- Jams and preserves
- Sauces and condiments
- Cooking with meat and fish
- Medicinal Properties:
- May help reduce cholesterol
- Traditional uses for kidney and liver health
- Historical use in treating burns and snake bites
How to Grow Cocona Fruit from Seed: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Seed Starting Essentials
To successfully grow cocona from seed, you’ll need some specific equipment:
- Quality seed starting mix
- Seedling heat mat (essential for germination)
- Growing containers with drainage
- LED grow lights
- Thermometer
- Spray bottle for watering
- Large pots (5-gallon minimum) for mature plants
2. Starting Seeds Indoors
The key to success with cocona lies in proper seed starting:
- Timing:
- Start seeds 3-4 months before your last frost date
- For most regions, begin in December or January
- Planting Process:
- Fill containers with moistened seed starting mix
- Plant seeds 3/8 inch deep
- Space seeds 8 inches apart if planting in rows
- For container starting, plant 4-5 seeds per pot
- Optimal Conditions:
- Maintain soil temperature between 80-90°F
- Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
- Provide bright, indirect light until germination
- Expect germination in 15-40 days (sometimes up to 3 months)
3. Caring for Seedlings
Once your seeds germinate, proper care is crucial:
- Light Requirements:
- Provide 14-16 hours of direct light daily
- Keep grow lights 2-4 inches above seedlings
- Rotate plants regularly for even growth
- Temperature and Humidity:
- Maintain room temperature around 70-75°F
- Provide good air circulation
- Keep humidity around 60-70%
4. Transplanting and Growing On
Best and recommended Fertilizers ( Amazon)
- Pot Selection:
- Use 5-gallon containers minimum
- Ensure excellent drainage
- Choose lightweight containers if you plan to move plants indoors
- Soil and Fertilizer:
- Use high-quality potting mix
- Add organic matter for improved drainage
- Fertilize every 6-8 weeks with 10-8-10 NPK
- Apply 2.5 ounces of fertilizer per plant
5. Ongoing Care and Maintenance
- Water Requirements:
- Keep soil consistently moist
- Allow top inch to dry between waterings
- Avoid waterlogging
- Temperature Management:
- Protect from temperatures below 45°F
- Move indoors during cold spells
- Provide extra heat if needed
6. Harvesting and Ripening
Knowing when and how to harvest is crucial for the best flavor:
- When to Harvest:
- Fruit typically ready 6-7 months after planting
- Wait until fruit develops full color
- Harvest when slightly firm but giving to gentle pressure
- Post-Harvest Ripening:
- Allow fruit to ripen at room temperature
- Wait until skin slightly wrinkles
- Expect 22-40 pounds of fruit per mature plant
Growing Cocona Indoors
For those in colder climates, growing cocona indoors can be successful:
- Light Requirements:
- South-facing window or grow lights
- Minimum 6-8 hours direct light
- Supplement with LED grow lights in winter
- Environmental Control:
- Maintain temperatures above 65°F
- Provide good air circulation
- Monitor humidity levels
Common Challenges and Solutions
- Slow Germination:
- Solution: Maintain consistent warm temperatures
- Be patient – can take up to 3 months
- Cold Sensitivity:
- Solution: Move plants indoors when temperatures drop
- Provide supplemental heat if needed
- Space Requirements:
- Solution: Prune to manage size
- Consider dwarf varieties for indoor growing
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the English name for cocona fruit?
A: Cocona is known by several English names including Peach Tomato, Orinoko Apple, and Turkey Berry.
Q: Can you plant seeds straight from the fruit?
A: Yes, you can plant fresh seeds directly from ripe fruit. Clean the pulp off thoroughly and dry them before planting.
Q: How do you germinate fresh fruit seeds?
A: Clean seeds thoroughly, dry them, then plant 3/8 inch deep in warm soil (80-90°F). Keep consistently moist until germination.
Q: How long does it take from seed to fruit?
A: Expect 6-7 months from seed to first fruits, with an additional 2-3 months for fruit to fully ripen.
Conclusion
Growing cocona fruit from seed requires patience and attention to detail, but the reward is worth the effort. With proper planning and care, you can successfully grow this exotic fruit even in non-tropical regions. Remember to start seeds early, maintain proper temperatures, and be prepared to provide winter protection in colder climates.
