About
A shrub, forming a woody framework with age, suited to being grown as an annual in the UK. White flowers in summer are followed by fruits that are variable in size and colour, generally resembling tomatoes. Fruits are often cooked and used in similar ways to tomatoes or aubergines.
About the genus
Solanum can be annuals, perennials, evergreen or deciduous shrubs or twining climbers, with simple or pinnnately lobed leaves and star- or bowl-shaped, 5-lobed flowers with prominent stamens, followed by fleshy fruits
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand, Clay
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesMixed borders, hedging, foundation planting.
Care notes
CultivationGrow in full sun, keep well watered and feed with a high potassium feed once fruit starts to set. Suitable for growing in containers, either outdoors in a sunny spot or in a greenhouse
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed (sown indoors) in early spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely) and verticillium wilt