About
A tender perennial, grown as an annual, with very deeply-lobed leaves covered in sticky hairs; both stems and leaves are armed with red, spiny prickles. Large, white or pale blue flowers are produced in clusters all summer, followed by green, spiny fruit cases that split to reveal bright red fruit which are edible but insipid.
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
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toSouth America
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained soil in neutral or slightly alkaline soil in full sun. Is being trialled as a trap crop for potato cyst nematode. May have the potential to become a nuisance as seeds prolifically
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)