Black nightshade
Solanum nigrum · Solanaceae
📷 Vinayaraj · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around black nightshade and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Type
- Annual or perennial herbaceous plant depending on climate
- Flowering
- July to September, white or purple flowers
- Adult size
- 30 to 80 cm in height
- Foliage
- Deciduous, dark green, oval
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Frost-tender, annual in temperate climates
- Origin
- Asia, widely naturalized in Europe
Expert tips
The key tip
Arrose régulièrement mais pas en continu : la morelle noire souffre d'asphyxie racinaire. Laisse le sol sécher légèrement entre deux arrosages, surtout en pot. En terre bien drainée, elle est quasi autonome une fois établie. Pince les tiges jeunes pour forcer la ramification et augmenter la production de baies.
The common mistake
Laisser le sol trop humide en permanence, particulièrement au printemps quand la plante sort de l'hiver ; elle pourrit vite à la base et les feuilles jaunissent progressivement.
The pro's trick
Récotte les baies quand elles sont noires brillantes, pas rouges ou vertes : la toxine solanine baisse drastiquement. Teste la maturation en en goûtant une discrètement : elle doit être un peu sucrée, jamais amère.
Seasonal watch
À l'automne, surveille l'araignée rouge et l'aleurode qui pullulent quand l'air devient sec. Brumise légèrement le feuillage en fin de journée pour limiter l'infestation, ou tes récoltes d'hiver seront réduites.
Care
Light and climate
Black nightshade prefers full sun to partial shade. It develops quickly in warm climates and appreciates open, well-ventilated spots. In temperate regions, grow it as an annual and sow seeds after the last frosts.
Watering
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during growth and flowering. Adjust frequency to the season: more generous in summer, moderate in autumn. Avoid wetting the foliage to limit disease.
Soil
Black nightshade adapts to many soil types but prefers fertile, well-draining loam that is slightly acidic to neutral. Adding compost at sowing or planting time will promote better growth.
Fertilization
Apply a balanced fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing period. Avoid excess nitrogen, which would promote foliage at the expense of flowering and fruiting.
Pruning and pinching
Light pinching of shoot tips early in the season can encourage branching and a more compact shape. Pruning is not strictly necessary, but you can remove weak or poorly oriented stems for a more airy appearance.
Diseases and pests
Watch for powdery mildew and leaf spots, especially in excessive humidity. Aphids and whiteflies can colonize the foliage. Promote good air circulation, remove affected leaves, and opt for gentle treatments if needed.
Did you know?
Black nightshade has long been known to traditional herbalists in Asia and Europe, although its black berries are not without risk. This plant was often associated with witchcraft in the Middle Ages, and it grows easily in wastelands and abandoned gardens, which reinforced its mysterious reputation. Today, it remains an important invasive species in many temperate regions of the world.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- TomatoSolanum lycopersicum
- Sweet pepperCapsicum annuum
- EggplantSolanum melongena
- Cape gooseberryPhysalis peruviana
- Night jessamineCestrum nocturnum
- Potato vineSolanum laxum
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.