African Bitterberry (Solanum anguivi) - Seeds - Straight from African cuisine
€2,80
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African Bitterberry (Solanum anguivi) - Seeds - Straight from African cuisine
€2,80
Pickup available at Bei der Kirche 3
Usually ready in 24 hours
If you are passionate about unusual nightshades, Solanum anguivi will instantly captivate you. This rare wild species, often known as the African bitterberry, is not only a visual highlight, but also produces edible fruit. Although the small berries are extremely bitter when raw, in their African homeland they are highly valued precisely because of this tart flavor as a traditional ingredient in hearty stews and sauces. Besides the culinary aspect, I am particularly fascinated by the incredible abundance of fruit: From the delicate, white to light purple star-shaped flowers develop countless small, round berries, which grow in dense clusters and glow in a bright, fiery red when ripe. The plant has a slightly defensive, wild character and creates a beautiful contrast in the garden or on the patio. A real rarity for anyone, who is looking for something special outside the standard range.
Package contents 10 seeds each
Sowing at a glance
| Feature | Note |
| Pre-cultivation (indoors) | February to April |
| Sowing depth | Approx. 0.5 cm (lightly cover the seeds with fine substrate and press down gently) |
| Germination temperature | 22 to 26 degrees Celsius (constant warmth is very important here) |
| Germination time | 10 to 21 days |
| Planting out | After the Ice Saints in mid-May |
Growth habit, location and care Solanum anguivi grows as a bushy, upright and often slightly thorny shrub, which can reach a height of 80 to 120 centimeters in a pot or outdoors. Like almost all nightshades, it is an absolute sun worshipper. Give it a full-sun, warm and sheltered location. As a typical heavy feeder, it requires a very nutrient-rich, humus-rich substrate. I also like to mix some perlite or pumice into the soil here, to ensure good drainage, because it does not like waterlogging at all. During the growth and fruiting phase, it gets quite thirsty and appreciates regular watering as well as a weekly supply of organic liquid fertilizer.
Winter hardiness and overwintering As a tropical species, this African wild eggplant is absolutely not winter hardy in our climate and is usually cultivated as an annual. Those who wish, can try, however, to grow it as a perennial, similar to chili peppers. For this, the plant is cut back slightly before the first frost and overwintered indoors in a very bright place at about 10 to 15 degrees Celsius. Watering is significantly reduced during this time, the root ball must not completely dry out.
Use In our country, Solanum anguivi is primarily valued as a fantastic ornamental plant, whose bright red berry clusters look great well into autumn and are also liked cut and used for autumn arrangements. Those who like to experiment culinarily, can cook the berries along with the food, as in their African homeland, to give dishes a distinctive, tart note.
Origin and taxonomy Botanically, the species belongs to the large and fascinating nightshade family (Solanaceae) – a plant family, which already plays a very special role in my range. Its original home extends across the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, where it often grows as a pioneer plant at forest edges and in open bush landscapes.
Return policy
My goal is for every customer to be completely satisfied with their purchase. If this is not the case, please let me know and I will do my best to find a solution with you.
A 14-day return policy applies.
Shipping
I will ship your order as soon as possible. Once your order has been dispatched, you will receive an email with further information. Delivery times vary depending on your location.
Seeds: 1-3 business days
Plants: 2-5 business days
Please note the availability date for items that are available for pre-order.
General Safety Instructions
In general, all plants and seeds in my shop are not suitable for consumption. Without exception, all items are not sold as food.
Naturally, this does not apply to fruit and vegetables that are harvested by the customer after successful cultivation.
Some plants and seeds contain toxins. Keep out of reach of children and animals.