Otricoli Orange Berry
70 days. Here’s a most unusual nightshade plant, collected originally by the Gettles in Umbria, Italy, in the ancient Roman site of Ocriculum. It was found growing along the Tiber River, growing with the common black nightshade, (S. nigrum). Plants reach 2-3 feet tall, having typical nightshade leaves and white flowers. The small berries have a lot of visual interest being a bright orange—not at all the dark purple that you might expect. At maturity the plants are covered in clusters of brilliant orange! This species has been used as food for millenia, use only ripe fruit for eating.
- 8-12 hours of Sun
- Sprouts in 7-21 Days
- Ideal Temperature: 75-85 Degrees F
- Seed Depth: 1/8"
- Plant Spacing: 14"
- Frost Hardy: No
- Solanum nigrum
Growing Tips: Start indoors in fine, moist soil, 6-8 weeks before setting out after frost. Harvest berries only when fully ripe, very orange and soft. Warning: Green fruit may be poisonous to eat.