Choose a warm, frost-free location with full sun
Use well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH
Plant in spring after the last frost
Space plants 10 to 15 feet apart
Install a strong trellis, fence, or arbor for climbing support
Plant seeds or healthy seedlings from a reliable source
Water deeply and regularly, keeping soil evenly moist
Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Fertilize every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer
Prune lightly to remove dead growth and encourage airflow
Train vines onto the support structure as they grow
Protect plants from strong winds and cold temperatures
Hand-pollinate flowers if fruit set is poor
Harvest fruit when it turns fully colored and begins to wrinkle slightly
Pick fruit promptly and continue regular harvesting to encourage more production