More Information
| Botanical Name |
Solanum scabrum |
| Seeds Per Pack |
25 |
| Life Cycle |
Annual |
| Min. Time to Germinate |
7 Days |
| Max. Time to Germinate |
21 Days |
| Depth to Sow Seeds |
1/8 in. |
| When to Sow |
Indoors 6-8 weeks before last spring frost |
| Growing Height |
36-48 in. (90-120 cm) |
| Plant Spacing |
24-36 in. (60-90 cm) |
| Hardiness |
N/A |
| Sun Exposure |
Full Sun |
| Danger |
Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested |
| Other Details |
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater, This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds |
| Soil pH Requirements |
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic), 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral), 7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline) |
| Days to Harvest |
70-80 |
| Propagation Methods |
From seed; sow indoors before last frost, From seed; winter sow in vented containers, coldframe or unheated greenhouse |
| Seed Collecting |
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds, Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored |
AKA Solanum melanocerasum. An antioxidant-rich garden berry that undergoes the most miraculous flavor transformation when cooked and just lightly sweetened! There is a stark contrast between eating the berries raw and cooked and sweetened state. The raw ripe berries have a tart flavor, similar to tomatillo, yummy for savory snacking, and salsas. The cooked and lightly sweetened berries are reminiscent of blackberry or gooseberry. The garden huckleberry is native to Africa and is a solanaceous berry in the tomato family. IMPORTANT: For the very best flavor it is important to harvest at the correct stage. Berries will be shiny, green to black when under-mature; at this stage, the flavor will be unpleasant and the berries may be slightly poisonous. The berries mature to a dull black color and should be slightly soft to the touch; at this point, the berries are perfect to eat and quite tasty.
