About
A fast-growing, tender, woody plant with large evergreen leaves. Often grown for the orange and red, oval shaped, edible fruits that ripen in late summer and autumn.
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 typeClay, Loam, Sand, Chalk
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeTrees, Shrubs
HabitColumnar upright, Bushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toSouth America
Care notes
CultivationCan be planted in a glasshouse. Also suitable for containers, placing outside during summer and brought under glass during colder months. Grow in full sun. If grown from seed, will start fruiting in second or third year. See tomato cultivation for further advice
PruningThere is no need for regular pruning. If it is necessary to reduce the size, pruning can be done in autumn
PropagationPropagate by seed or softwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely) and powdery mildews