Light

Prefer full sun and need a lot of heat. They stay dormant around winter time, and catch up on growth again towards the end of spring. Young plants need partial shade. around summer. 

Water

They don't like too much water at all. Water only once a week around winter and colder month, 2-3 times a week in hot summer.  Please create a drip line around plant.

Soil

Well drained soil is crucial, highly composted and best grown on the mound. Please add sand or 50% pumice to the potting mix.

Fertiliser

They love organic matter like old cow and chicken manure. Give them a diluted seaweed juice weekly during growth season in spring right through the summer. Give complete granular fertiliser 4 times a year. The ideal NPK is 14-14-14, though 10-10-10 is acceptable as well.

Wind

Keep under cover when young and as the plant matures and established they only need some protection from heavy winds especially during flowering season. When the plant is bearing fruit in full mode it might need staking to support the plant. 

Frost

Protect from frost. Confidently cold tolerant to 15c. They will survive down to 7/8c but below this they will suffer. Best to have a protection cover during cold nights and winter. Ideal in a pot under clear roof cover or in a polytunnel. With a pot they can be brought inside easily as they mature to 1m high in a pot. 

Fruiting

Within a year from planting, they should produce fruit if they receive a lot of heat and catch up on growth around spring right through the summer.