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
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| 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
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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
Get involved
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