Details
AKA Fire-and-Ice Plant and Sticky Nightshade. This very pretty plant originated in South America, but has been naturalized in many countries. Litchi plants grow up to 5’ tall and are covered with thorns. The sweet red fruit can be eaten all summer right from the plants! The fruit is the size of a cherry tomato and tastes like a sour cherry crossed with a tomato. They can be used in fruit tarts, preserves, jams and sauces, and even in sorbets and wines.
Additional Info
| Botanical Name | Solanum sisymbriifolium |
|---|---|
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Min. Time to Germinate | 14 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 | 4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m) |
| Plant Spacing | 24-36 in. (60-90 cm) |
| Hardiness | USDA Zone 6a: to -5F, USDA Zone 6b: to 0F, USDA Zone 7a: to 5F, USDA Zone 7b: to 10F, USDA Zone 8a: to 15F, USDA Zone 8b: to 20F, USDA Zone 9a: to 25F, USDA Zone 9b: to 30F, USDA Zone 10a: to 35F, USDA Zone 10b: to 40F, USDA Zone 11a: to 45F, USDA Zone 11b: to 50F |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun, Sun to Partial Shade |
| Danger | Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested, Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling |
| Bloom Color | White/Near White |
| 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; direct sow after last frost, From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall, From seed; sow indoors before last frost, From seed; winter sow in vented containers, coldframe or unheated greenhouse |
| Seed Collecting | Unblemished fruit must be significantly overripe before harvesting seed; clean and dry seeds |
| Open Pollinated (OP) | Yes |
| Seeds Per Pack | 20 |