Solanum nigrum, also known as black nightshade or makoy, is an annual flowering plant in the Solanaceae family. It is native to Eurasia and introduced in the Americas, Africa, and Australia. Solanum nigrum has been used as a food and medicine around the world. The ripe black berries and cooked leaves are edible.
Description and Characteristics
Solanum nigrum is an annual short-lived perennial herbaceous shrub that can grow to 1-2 feet tall.
The stems are erect, green to purplish green, and may be armed with spines.
The oval-shaped leaves are 2-7 centimeters long and have smooth or slightly toothed margins.
Solanum nigrum has small white star-shaped flowers that bloom in summer. These flowers later develop into spherical black berries 6-8 millimeters in diameter.
Climate and Soil Requirements
Solanum nigrum thrives in temperate, subtropical, and tropical climates.
It grows best in full sun and moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
The optimal soil pH range is between 5.6 to 7.5.
This hardy plant can tolerate drought and temporarily waterlogged conditions.
Solanum nigrum can grow in most soils but prefers loamy or sandy loam soil.
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Propagation from Seeds
Solanum nigrum is usually grown from seeds. The small seeds should be planted 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch deep in seed trays or directly in the garden after frost danger has passed. Seeds germinate best with soil temperatures between 70-90°F and require 7-20 days to sprout. Once seedlings emerge, thin them 8-12 inches apart.
Propagation from Cuttings
Take 6 inch softwood cuttings from the tip of established solanum nigrum plants in spring or early summer.
Remove the lower leaves and place the cuttings in potting mix. Enclose in a plastic bag and keep the potting mix moist.
Rooting should occur in 4-6 weeks and the cuttings can be transplanted afterwards.
Transplanting Seedlings
Transplant solanum nigrum seedlings into the garden after they develop 5-6 true leaves and all danger of frost has passed.
Prepare the garden bed with compost and aged manure worked into the top 6-12 inches of soil.
Bury the seedling stem up to the bottom 2 sets of leaves. Space plants 12-18 inches apart in rows 2-3 feet apart.
Add a thick mulch around transplants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
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Caring for Solanum Nigrum Plants
Watering
Provide solanum nigrum with consistent moisture, especially when plants are flowering and fruiting. Water at the base of plants slowly and deeply to encourage extensive root growth. Drought stress can cause bitter-tasting berries.
Fertilizing
Apply a balanced organic fertilizer or compost tea monthly throughout the growing season. Solanum nigrum also benefits from the addition of aged manure or compost to the soil before planting. Avoid over-fertilizing which can inhibit fruit production.
Pruning
Prune solanum nigrum lightly in spring to shape plants and improve air circulation and light penetration. Remove old, damaged growth and prune suckers sprouting from the roots. Keep pruning minimal to maximize the berry harvest.
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Pests and Diseases
Common Pests
Aphids, whiteflies, leaf miners, spider mites, and cutworms sometimes attack solanum nigrum. Use horticultural oils, insecticidal soaps, neem oil, row covers, or organic pyrethrins to control populations. Attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to your garden for natural pest control.
Preventing and Treating Diseases
Solanum nigrum is relatively resistant to most diseases but can be affected by early blight, powdery mildew, verticillium wilt, or viruses spread by aphids.
Avoid overhead watering, allow for adequate air circulation between plants, and clean up foliage at the end of the season to prevent diseases. Remove and destroy severely infected plants.
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Harvesting Solanum Nigrum
When to Harvest
The shiny black berries are ripe for harvesting when they turn completely black and soft. This occurs 65-85 days after transplanting seedlings. Pick berries every few days during peak season, cutting the fruit clusters off carefully with scissors or pruning shears. Timely harvesting stimulates continuous fruit production.
How to Harvest
Gently shake berry clusters while holding a container underneath to catch ripe fruit. Ripe berries easily detach from the stems when agitated or pulled lightly. Gather early in the day after the dew has dried for best flavor and storage quality.
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Storing and Preserving Berries
Consume fresh solanum nigrum berries soon after picking. Ripe berries can be stored in a refrigerator for 2-3 days before flavor declines.
Wash and drain berries before storage. Solanum nigrum berries also work well in jams, juices, pies, or dried as raisins.
Frozen berries maintain quality for 9-12 months if quickly blanched first to prevent further ripening.
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Uses of Solanum Nigrum
Solanum nigrum has a long history of uses as a nutritious food and medicinal herb. The parts of the solanum nigrum plant used include:
- Berries – The ripe black berries are eaten raw, cooked, or dried into raisins. They can be made into pies, jams, juices, and fermented drinks.
- Leaves – The leaves are cooked as a vegetable or made into teas.
- Shoots – The shoots are also cooked and eaten as greens.
- Flowers – The flowers can be battered and fried for consumption.
Some key uses and benefits of solanum nigrum include:
- Rich source of nutrients like iron, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, protein, vitamins A, B6 & C.
- Powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Antimicrobial and hepato-protective benefits.
- Aids liver disorders, ulcers, pain relief, fever reduction and more.
- Alkaloids from the plant exhibit anti-tumor and chemopreventive activities.
- Traditional medicine across Africa, India, and China utilize solanum nigrum for its health benefits.
- Recent research continues to uncover therapeutic pharmacological mechanisms and bioactive compounds.
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Conclusion
Key Tips for Growing Solanum Nigrum
Growing solanum nigrum is rewarding with proper care.
Key tips include choosing an open, sunny location, watering regularly during fruit production, pruning lightly, and harvesting berries on time.
Compost enriched soil and organic fertilizer also boosts plant health and productivity.
FAQs
Are solanum nigrum berries edible?
Yes, the ripe black berries are edible when fully black and soft. Unripe green berries contain higher concentrations of alkaloids and can be toxic.
Is solanum nigrum considered invasive?
Solanum nigrum spreads readily by seeds. Keep plants controlled by pruning suckers around the base and removing spent plants after harvesting berries.
What is the hardiness zone range for solanum nigrum?
Solanum nigrum can be grown as an annual in zones 2-11 or overwintered as a perennial in zones 8-11. Provide protective mulch in colder climates.
Should solanum nigrum be grown in full sun?
Yes, solanum nigrum requires a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for ample fruit production. Partial shade significantly reduces yields.
Is solanum nigrum deer resistant?
Deer tend to avoid solanum nigrum due to the alkaloids present in the foliage and unripe berries which protect the plant. Ripe berries still may be eaten occasionally by wildlife.