Sunberry seeds

Sunberry commonly known as umsobo, wonderberry / Solanum retroflexum

Also known as Solanum ×burbankii Bitter (Solanum scabrum × Solanum villosum) is a cultivated herbaceous plant; hybridogenic species of the genus Nightshade, family Solanaceae.

Sunberries have been compared to blueberries, but are less known than blueberries. At the same time, Sunberry berries are not consumed raw, because of the specific taste. But despite this, it can be used in your cooking recipes, just like blackcurrant. If you know what great taste tropical blueberries bring to your culinary recipes, then you will be pleasantly surprised. In fact, Saberry is called Wonderberry (Wonderberry!), because it can do wonders for your pies, jams and jelly. It also makes excellent wine. In this respect, Sunberry is similar to blueberry, but it is a completely different plant.

Sunberries are related to potatoes, peppers and tomatoes and even have a slightly tomato flavor.

Growing Garden Sunberry

Sunberries successfully produce fruits in just one year and you do not have to wait several years for the harvest to taste it.

Lighting: Grow in open areas with good lighting.

Humidity: Garden Sunberry is virtually maintenance free. You only need to add mulch to retain moisture.

Pests: When growing Sunberries, pay attention to insect pests. Young plants can be affected by the Colorado potato beetle and, in this regard, measures must be taken. But pests affect only young seedlings, the first 3 weeks after planting in the garden.

Fruiting begins 90 days after planting in the ground.

Top dressing: Fertilizing with compost will significantly increase the yield.

Watering: You can water the plant depending on the weather. Reduce watering when the berries begin to color and if the weather is not very hot - this will improve the taste of the berries.

Growing: You can grow sunberries all year round until frost sets in.

Ripening/Berry Picking: The plant will constantly ripen berries. Ripe berries lose their luster and turn purple (almost black). The berries grow in clusters that you can cut and then separate the berries.

Sowing seeds

The Garden Sunberry is grown like a pepper or a tomato.

You need to sow the seeds in March or April in boxes with soil. Cover with foil.

Grow seedlings like peppers or tomatoes, watering them well. Liquid fertilizer can be applied once a week.

Plant plants outdoors only after the threat of night frost has passed (at the same time as tomatoes)

Fresh berries are great for freezing. Berries make wonderful syrups, pies, jams, ice cream, sauces, and even wine.

Growing the plant is very easy. Raw berries do not have a bright taste, but children like it, and if you make jam, it's just super! Tastes like a wild berry!