Quito Eggplant (solanum candidum) 5 seeds

Naranjilla (Solanum Candidum) 5 Seeds

Naranjilla is an exotic plant from South America. It has orange-green fruits with a refreshing, sour taste. It's grown for its vitamin C content. It needs a warm climate and well-drained soil. It's used in preparing juices and desserts.

Naranjilla: Plant Appearance Description

Naranjilla is an exotic plant with a unique appearance. It has an upright stem that can grow up to 2 metres tall. The leaves are large, deep green and have characteristic prominent ribbing. Naranjilla flowers are small and purple, forming in clusters and growing at the branch tips. The fruits are round and have an orange to yellow-green colour with spines on the surface. Naranjilla is known for its exotic and attractive appearance, which adds an exotic touch to the garden or greenhouse.

How to Grow Naranjilla?

Growing naranjilla requires specific conditions. Here's a guide that can help you when growing these plants:

1. Climate Conditions: Naranjilla is a heat-loving plant and requires temperatures around 20-30°C. It should be grown in areas with a mild climate or in warm greenhouses.

2. Site Selection: Choose a location that provides adequate lighting, ideally sunny to partially shaded. The site should be protected from strong winds, which can damage the plants.

3. Soil Preparation: Naranjilla prefers soil with good drainage and a good supply of nutrients. Before planting, it's advisable to enrich the soil with compost or other organic fertiliser.

4. Sowing or Planting: Naranjilla can be grown from seeds or from cultivated seedlings. If you decide to sow from seeds, sow the seeds in pots and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate. You can then transplant the young plants to a permanent location.

5. Watering and Fertilising: Naranjilla requires regular watering. Make sure the soil is always slightly moist, but avoid waterlogging. Fertilise the plant regularly with a suitable fertiliser for fruiting plants.

6. Plant Support: Since naranjilla produces branches and fruits, it may be advisable to support the plant to prevent it from drooping. Use stakes or support nets to keep the plant upright.

7. Fruit Care: Naranjilla fruits ripen under favourable conditions in about 4-5 months. Harvest the fruits once they acquire their orange colour.