Solanum aethiopicum

RHS Plant Profile
Ethiopian eggplant

Other common names

bitter tomato, Ethiopian nightshade, pumpkinos

Shrubs

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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand, Clay

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand Clay
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1B

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical 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
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