{"product_id":"litschitomate-solanum-sisymbriifolium-samen","title":"Lychee Tomato\/Sticky Nightshade (Solanum sisymbriifolium) - Seeds","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003eThe spiky beauty with the sweet secret\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003eDon't be put off by the spikes! The Litchi Tomato (also known in France as \u003ci data-path-to-node=\"3\" data-index-in-node=\"89\"\u003eMorelle de Balbis\u003c\/i\u003e) is an absolute rarity for the garden. It looks like a wild cross between a tomato, an eggplant, and a cactus, but it yields countless bright red, sweet and fruity berries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScope of delivery: \u003c\/strong\u003e15 seeds each\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eGrowth \u0026amp; Appearance\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/b\u003e Usually cultivated as an annual in our climate (can theoretically be overwintered frost-free).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eGrowth height:\u003c\/b\u003e Reaches an impressive 100 to 150 cm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eHabit:\u003c\/b\u003e Very sprawling and robust. The deeply lobed leaves resemble arugula. \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"98\"\u003eCaution:\u003c\/b\u003e The entire plant (stems, leaves, and fruit husks) is densely covered with sharp spines!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFlower \u0026amp; Fruit:\u003c\/b\u003e From June until frost, beautiful, large, white to light blue star-shaped flowers appear. From these, cherry-sized, bright red fruits develop in spiky husks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"6\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eOrigin\u003c\/b\u003e Its original home is in South America (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay), where it grows wild on barren soils. In the 19th century, it was brought to Europe by botanists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"7\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eIngredients\u003c\/b\u003e As with all nightshade plants, the green plant parts and unripe fruits contain the toxic alkaloid \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"7\" data-index-in-node=\"128\"\u003esolanine\u003c\/b\u003e. However, once the fruits are deep red and soft, they are completely non-toxic and boast plenty of \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"7\" data-index-in-node=\"231\"\u003eVitamin C\u003c\/b\u003e and natural fruit sweetness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eUse\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"9,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"9,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eIn the kitchen:\u003c\/b\u003e A great snack fruit! The ripe, red fruits do not taste like savory tomatoes, but rather sweet-sour and fruity – a mix of cherry, lychee, and a hint of tomato. Perfect for direct snacking (pick carefully!), for exotic jams, or fruit salads.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"9,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"9,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eAs a cash crop:\u003c\/b\u003e Potato farmers love it! It is often used as a \"trap crop\" against potato nematodes (small roundworms in the soil). The pests hatch but cannot reproduce on the roots of the Litchi Tomato and die.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eHistorical\u003c\/b\u003e In South America, the plant was already valued and collected by indigenous peoples. In the 19th century, it was briefly very popular in Europe, but then fell into oblivion before being rediscovered in recent years by adventurous amateur gardeners and rarity collectors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"11\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"11\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eCurious facts\u003c\/b\u003e Due to its massive thorns, the Litchi Tomato was deliberately planted in some countries as an absolutely impenetrable, living hedge to keep stray dogs, wild animals, or unwanted bipeds off properties. A real \"garden terror\" with a sweet core!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"12\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"12\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eLocation, care \u0026amp; other important things\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"13\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"13,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"13,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eLocation:\u003c\/b\u003e Sunny and warm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"13,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"13,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSoil:\u003c\/b\u003e Relatively undemanding, but thrives best in loose, nutrient-rich soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"13,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"13,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eCare \u0026amp; Robustness:\u003c\/b\u003e A huge plus: Unlike normal tomatoes, the Litchi Tomato is extremely resistant to the feared late blight (\u003ci data-path-to-node=\"13,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"160\"\u003ePhytophthora infestans\u003c\/i\u003e)! It does not need to be pruned, but due to its weight, it often needs a strong stake for support. \u003ci data-path-to-node=\"13,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"293\"\u003eTip: Always wear thick gardening gloves when planting and harvesting!\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"14\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"15\"\u003eSowing Instructions: Litchi Tomato (\u003ci data-path-to-node=\"15\" data-index-in-node=\"34\"\u003eSolanum sisymbriifolium\u003c\/i\u003e)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"16\"\u003eCultivation is uncomplicated and proceeds exactly as you are used to with normal tomatoes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"17\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"17\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eWhen to sow?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"18\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"18,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"18,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003ePre-cultivation (indoors):\u003c\/b\u003e From mid-February to early April.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"19\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"19\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eHow to sow?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"20\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"20,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"20,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSowing depth:\u003c\/b\u003e Place the seeds shallowly, about \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"20,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"33\"\u003e0.5 cm\u003c\/b\u003e deep, in seed compost and press lightly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"20,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"20,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eGermination conditions:\u003c\/b\u003e Keep the soil evenly moist (not wet!). Place the sowing containers in a bright and warm spot. For optimal germination, temperatures between \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"20,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"164\"\u003e20 and 25 °C\u003c\/b\u003e are ideal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"20,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"20,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eGermination time:\u003c\/b\u003e Usually, the first spiky little seedlings appear after \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"20,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"75\"\u003e10 to 20 days\u003c\/b\u003e. As soon as they form the first true, jagged leaves, they can be pricked out into their own, slightly larger pots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"21\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"21\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003ePlanting out \u0026amp; Location\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"22\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"22,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"22,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eOutdoors:\u003c\/b\u003e Only after the Ice Saints (mid-May), when there is absolutely no longer any danger of frost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"22,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"22,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003ePlanting distance:\u003c\/b\u003e Give the plants enough space so that they can grow bushy. A distance of at least \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"22,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"120\"\u003e60 to 80 cm\u003c\/b\u003e is recommended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Pflanzenwelten Andre Heinek ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55384461869441,"sku":null,"price":2.3,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0931\/6332\/3777\/files\/417634908_7131398220260532_81575021668013538_n.jpg?v=1772570316","url":"https:\/\/pflanzenwelten-heinek.de\/en\/products\/litschitomate-solanum-sisymbriifolium-samen","provider":"Pflanzenwelten Andre Heinek ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}