Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Red | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical 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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Once all danger of frost has passed, plant into greenhouse borders or growbags, or harden plants off and plant outside into rich soil in a sunny spot. Tie into supports and pinch out sidehoots. Keep well-watered and feed weekly with a tomato fertiliser once flowers form. See Tomatoes for further information
Propagation
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds or sowing seeds indoors for further advice
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
- Edible fruit
Pruning
Remove side shoots and pinch out the growning tip when the plant has reached the top of the greenhouse, or has set 7 trusses indoors or 4 trusses outdoors
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse whitefly
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), potato blight, tomato blight, tomato leaf mould, tomato viruses, magnesium deficiency and blossom end rot. See Tomatoes: leaf problems
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