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Litchi Tomato Sticky Nightshade Solanum sisymbriifolium - 20 Seeds
20 Seeds w/Instructions
The Sticky Nightshade, or Litchi tomato, has been grown as an ornamental curiosity in American gardens since the 19th century, but only recently has it gained attention as a novel-tasting food. Its dark red cherry-size berries, with the distinctive flavor of sour cherries and a hint of tomato, can be used in a wide variety of culinary applications — from fruit tarts, preserves, jams and sauces, to sorbets and wine. Easy to grow and frost resistant.
Large plants grow to 5', and are covered with thorns; sweet red fruit and large white flowers. Because the plant itself is covered with thorns, it is sometimes used as a hedge plant to discourage animals from wandering into vegetable gardens.
Because the plant is in the nightshade family, and a close relative of both the tomato and potato, its fluffy white flowers resemble potato or eggplant flowers, though they are more profuse and striking. The fruit forms inside a husk like a tomatillo or ground-cherry; then, as the fruit ripens, the husk bursts open. The fruit is ripe enough to eat when it can be removed easily from the stem; if you have to pull hard, it’s not ready. Zone 6-11.
Other Names: Solanum balbisi, Solanum decurrens, Solanum edule, Solanum formosum and Solanum viscosum, vila vila, sticky nightshade, red buffalo-bur, the fire-and-ice plant, hell plant, Morelle de Balbis
The Sticky Nightshade, or Litchi tomato, has been grown as an ornamental curiosity in American gardens since the 19th century, but only recently has it gained attention as a novel-tasting food. Its dark red cherry-size berries, with the distinctive flavor of sour cherries and a hint of tomato, can be used in a wide variety of culinary applications — from fruit tarts, preserves, jams and sauces, to sorbets and wine. Easy to grow and frost resistant.
Large plants grow to 5', and are covered with thorns; sweet red fruit and large white flowers. Because the plant itself is covered with thorns, it is sometimes used as a hedge plant to discourage animals from wandering into vegetable gardens.
Because the plant is in the nightshade family, and a close relative of both the tomato and potato, its fluffy white flowers resemble potato or eggplant flowers, though they are more profuse and striking. The fruit forms inside a husk like a tomatillo or ground-cherry; then, as the fruit ripens, the husk bursts open. The fruit is ripe enough to eat when it can be removed easily from the stem; if you have to pull hard, it’s not ready. Zone 6-11.
Other Names: Solanum balbisi, Solanum decurrens, Solanum edule, Solanum formosum and Solanum viscosum, vila vila, sticky nightshade, red buffalo-bur, the fire-and-ice plant, hell plant, Morelle de Balbis
