Solanum villosum / Otricoli Orange Berry

Description

Solanum nigrum

OP Heirloom

Unusual nightshade plant originated from Italy ( from the ancient Roman site of Ocriculum ). Plants reach 60-90cm, having typical nightshade leaves and white flowers, the small berries have are a bright orange color. Use only ripe fruit for eating. The ripe fruits are great fresh, cooked, or preserved. They’re often used in pies and preserves and are usually heavily sweetened. Unripe green berries contain toxins and should not be eaten.

Sowing: Sow seeds indoors before last frost  ¼” deep. Thin seedlings when 2″ tall and transplant into individual pots. Plant outdoors in rows 36″ apart.