How to plant jiló

Solanum aethiopicum Grupo Gilo, formerly called Solanum gilo . Jiló is a plant in the eggplant and tomato family that can reach up to 2 m in height. Its bitter fruits are harvested while still green and are consumed cooked in several types of dishes, and it is also possible to consume them raw. Climate The jiloeiro needs a hot and humid climate to grow well and produce its fruits. Not tolerating low temperatures, jiló can be grown in agricultural greenhouses in cold climates, but the productivity is proportional to the ambient temperature. The ideal temperature for growing jiló is between 20 ° C and 35 ° C. Brightness The jiloeiro needs high light and must receive direct sunlight for at least a few hours daily. Ground The soil must be well drained, fertile, rich in organic matter, with good nitrogen availability. The ideal pH is between 5.5 and 6.8. Irrigation Irrigate frequently so that the soil is kept moist, but not soaked. Planting The seeds are sown in beds, sows or in cups made of newsprint approximately 10 cm high by 5 or 6 cm in diameter. Germination occurs in a week or two. Jiló seedlings are transplanted when they have 6 definitive leaves, being approximately 10 to 5 cm tall on this occasion. The recommended spacing ranges from 100 to 150 cm between planting lines and from 60 to 100 cm between plants. Jiló can also be grown in large pots. Cultivation Remove invasive plants that are competing with the jiloeiro for nutrients and resources. Harvest Fruit harvesting begins 90 to 150 days after sowing and can continue for at least three more months. The fruits are usually harvested immature, still totally green. When ripe, the fruits turn red or orange, with a firmer and thicker skin, and are even more bitter.