Turkey berry
Solanum torvum · Solanaceae
📷 Franz Xaver · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant turkey berry: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Common name
- Prickly nightshade, Wild eggplant
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Form
- Shrub
- Adult size
- 1.5 to 2.5 m in height
- Foliage
- Evergreen, dark green, slightly pubescent
- Flowering
- Spring to autumn, white or pale violet flowers
- Hardiness
- Tropical and subtropical, not frost-hardy
- Origin
- Tropical and subtropical Asia
Expert tips
The key tip
Le Solanum torvum se cultive comme une tomate mais demande plus de chaleur : gardez-le entre 20 et 28°C minimum. Installez-le en plein sud et pincez régulièrement les tiges pour favoriser la ramification et augmenter la fructification, sinon il monte en tige unique improductive.
The common mistake
La plupart des jardiniers le placent trop à l'ombre ou ne le chauffent pas assez (moins de 18°C la nuit) : il arrête de croître, jaunit et produit très peu ou pas de fruits, même bien arrosé.
The pro's trick
Utilisez du purin de consoude dilué toutes les deux semaines dès la floraison : cela renforce la nouaison et les fruits se forment beaucoup plus régulièrement qu'avec un engrais classique. Les fleurs se nouent mieux aussi.
Seasonal watch
En automne et hiver, surveiller l'humidité stagnante : le Solanum torvum est sensible à la pourriture des racines et aux moisissures en condition froide et humide. Réduisez les arrosages et aérez bien si vous le cultivez en serre ou en véranda.
Care
Light exposure
Place the shrub in full sun or partial shade to optimize flowering and fruiting. A minimum of 6 hours of direct daily light is recommended. In very hot regions, light afternoon shade prolongs its vitality.
Watering
Keep the substrate moist but well-draining during growth and flowering periods. Reduce watering in winter or during dry seasons. Avoid water accumulation at the base, which promotes rot.
Soil
Prefer rich, well-structured and well-draining soil. A mixture enriched with organic matter (potting soil, compost) works well. This plant tolerates slight acidity to neutral pH.
Fertilization
Apply balanced fertilizer every two months during the growing season (spring-autumn). Moderate feeding is sufficient; excess nitrogen promotes foliage at the expense of flowers and fruit.
Pruning and training
Carry out winter formative pruning to maintain a harmonious shape and open up the center of the shrub. Remove dead or diseased branches. Light summer pinching encourages branching.
Pests and diseases
Watch for whiteflies, spider mites, and mealybugs, particularly indoors or in greenhouses. Powdery mildew and root rot can occur with excessive humidity or poor ventilation.
Did you know?
Solanum torvum has been traditionally used in Southeast Asia for its small greenish fruits, which resemble tiny eggplants. In Ayurvedic medicine and local phytotherapy, this plant has held cultural and culinary importance for centuries, though its use has remained highly regional.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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.