Solanum melanocerasum
GARDEN HUCKLEBERRY

Solanacea

We planted these initially as a 'bait' plant for the leaf eating insects and beetles that can ravage the vegetable garden.

They do provide an adequate lure for these pests and the poor things can take a severe beating. They are only small shrubs and not particularly attractive but they are persistent and prolific producers of berries.

It is easy to confuse them in style and habit with solanum nigrum, but are easy to tell apart when the berry is examined. Huckleberry's flesh is and almost outrageous purple compared to 'black nightshades' green flesh.

30 fresh seeds $3.50

The unripe 'green' berries are reportedly toxic to ingest, but taste dreadful anyway, while the ripe berries are flavorsome and unique in their sweet tomato way.

They make excellent jam or an interesting addition to ice cream.

Four bushes will give you enough fruit for a large bottle of jam and a few deserts, as well as plenty of seed left over for next year.