MORELLE DE BALBIS ‘MAMONCILLOS'

Solanum sisymbriifolium ‘Mamoncillos'

We love spikes. We grow a small collection of obscure Solanum species purely for their spikes. Few of them produce food, but this selection of Solanum sisymbriifolium really impressed with its sweet fleshy fruits. Most varieties of this so-called “Litchi" tomato produce little more than small red bubbles full of seed. ‘Mamoncillos' produces delicious succulent fruit.

These plants are huge and decidedly ornamental. Big leaves are shiny and lobed, with bright orange spikes. Flouncy flowers are a delicate shade of lavender with big yellow stamens. They are incredibly attractive to bumble bees -- my plants were buzzing with them all season. My potted plants grew to 6'. In the garden they become even larger. You'll want to give them plenty of space so that you many safely maneuver around them to harvest. Barefoot gardeners beware, as spikes will inevitably be strewn upon the ground.

Fruiting begins fairly early in the season and continues through late summer. Ripe red fruits are attractive to birds, but spikes successfuly deter most of their attempts to thieve. Rich soil and frequent water produce the largest fruits, but even the small fruits from neglected plants in containers were surprisingly substantial. Interior texture is very much like that of a soft plum. Ripe fruits are easily removed from the plant. If they don't pop off easily, leave them to ripen further.

Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the date of your last spring frost. Sow seeds just below surface of moist soil, pressing to keep seed snug. Mist with warm water and cover pot with plastic. Kept consistently warm (around 85°F) and moist in bright light, seeds will germinate within two weeks. Cooler temperatures will delay germination. Carefully prick out seedlings with true leaves to grow on in deep 6" containers at warm room temperature in bright light. Transplant into the garden or a large container in full sun after all danger of frost has passed.

Though they are bothered by very few pests, keep an eye out for potato beetles and hornworms. Like its cousin, Naranjilla, the plant can miraculously withstand frost.

Take care to keep children away from these plants. The spikes are very sharp indeed. Using heavy duty gloves to transplant and to harvest ripe fruits is advised.

Grown by Farmacie Isolde.

Packet contains at least 10 seeds.