Jaltomate (Jaltomata procumbens) - Seeds
€2,30
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Jaltomate (Jaltomata procumbens) - Seeds
€2,30
Pickup available at Bei der Kirche 3
Usually ready in 24 hours
If you immediately think of the classic golden groundcherry (Physalis) or common wild tomatoes when it comes to small, wild berries from South America, you're about to experience a profound surprise! The typical sweet fruits literally pale in comparison to this mystical plant. The Jaltomata procumbens is in a completely different league. It exceeds all previous expectations for nightshades and rewards your curiosity with luminous, deep black, pearl-like fruits that taste so extraordinary and sweet that you'll feel transported directly to the wild nature of Mexico while snacking.
Scope of delivery: 10 seeds each.
Sowing at a Glance
| Pre-cultivation (indoors) | March to April |
| Planting out (outdoors) | From mid-May (after the Ice Saints) |
| Sowing depth | 0.5 cm |
| Germination temperature | 20 to 25 degrees Celsius |
| Germination period | 7 to 14 days |
Origin & Specialty: The Sweet Secret of the Aztecs
Did you know that Jaltomata was already valued by the indigenous peoples of Mesoamerica long before our modern supermarket berries began their triumphant advance? In the traditional Milpa fields of Mexico (where corn, beans, and squash grow together), this wild plant was not weeded out but lovingly tolerated and collected as a valuable snack. It is an absolute botanical rarity, originally from the vast, sun-drenched plateaus and valleys of Central America. While classic garden berries are often cultivated for yield today, this wild beauty is an original, almost forgotten dessert experience. You are bringing a living piece of archaic garden culture into your bed – paired with an intense fruit experience that amazes even experienced plant collectors.
Upright, Bushy Growth and Abundant Harvest
Leave the strict rules of classic vegetable cultivation behind! Even if its botanical name addition (procumbens = prostrate) suggests otherwise, this Jaltomata species actually grows happily, upright, and wonderfully bushy. Give it some space in width and preferably support its many branches with a small stake, as its branches will become quite heavy under the load of countless dark berries in late summer. It loves the sun and unfolds its full splendor in a large pot on the terrace or in a warm outdoor bed.
Important Gardener's Tip: The fruits will tell you themselves when they are perfect! Don't pick them when they are still green or reddish. Wait patiently until they shine deep black and almost fall into your hand with a gentle touch – only then have they reached their full, irresistible sweetness.
Perennial Pleasure: Hassle-Free Overwintering Thanks to Strong Roots
In its Mexican homeland, the plant is persistent and perennial. Here, it is often grown only as an annual, but overwintering is absolutely problem-free! Its secret? The plant forms an extremely strong, robust root system. In late autumn, before the first frost, simply cut it back thoroughly and place the pot in a cool, frost-free place (for example, in an unheated stairwell, cellar, or garage). Water very sparingly during the cold season so that the root ball does not dry out completely. Thanks to its strong roots, it survives the winter months effortlessly, resting completely relaxed, and sprouts again with concentrated vigor next spring – often even more lush and productive than in the first year!
Mystical Color and Grape-like Sweetness
Visually, it is a true masterpiece: The leaves, with their slightly serrated edges, are somewhat reminiscent of soft holly or mint leaves, but the real treasure is the fruits. When the small, round berries ripen fully and change from an inconspicuous green to a deep, shiny black-violet, they unleash their incredible aroma. They are surprisingly sweet, earthy, and extremely fruity. The taste is reminiscent of a heavenly mixture of dark grapes, blueberries, and a subtle hint of ripe melon. The flesh is wonderfully soft and incredibly juicy.
Into the Kitchen – What to Make from Your Harvest:
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The perfect snack fruit: Simply pick and enjoy plain. A wonderfully sweet-fruity snack directly from the bush, which disappears into your mouth immediately on every garden walk.
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The jam wonder: Due to its intense color and strong inherent sweetness, it can be wonderfully cooked into dark, exotic jams that are guaranteed to be a topic of conversation at the breakfast table.
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The extraordinary decoration: The small black pearls are an absolute eye-catcher on light desserts, panna cotta, or as a mystical topping on cakes.
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The highlight in fruit salad: Its striking dark color and sweet, grape-like taste bring an exciting, unexpected note to any fresh summer salad.
Bring the wild flair of Central America directly into your home! With Jaltomata procumbens, you choose a historical rarity that visually enriches your garden and surprises your palate with pure, wild sweetness until autumn.