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Solanum aethiopicum

Ethiopian eggplant

A shrub, forming a woody framework with age, suited to being grown as an annual in the UK. White flowers in summer are followed by fruits that are variable in size and colour, generally resembling tomatoes. Fruits are often cooked and used in similar ways to tomatoes or aubergines

Other common names
bitter tomato
Ethiopian nightshade
see morepumpkinos
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Clay
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Green Orange Red White
Autumn Green Orange Red White
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1B
Botanical details
Family
Solanaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
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

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in full sun, keep well watered and feed with a high potassium feed once fruit starts to set. Suitable for growing in containers, either outdoors in a sunny spot or in a greenhouse

Propagation

Propagate by seed (sown indoors) in early spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Edible fruit
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely) and verticillium wilt

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