As Seen On Dragons' Den! Use Code 'DRAGONS' For 10% Off Your First Order!
Back
Solanum nigrum
Solanum nigrum
Solanum nigrum
Solanum nigrum

Solanum nigrum

TAXONOMY

FamilySolanaceae
GenusSolanum
Zone6

ABOUT

Solanum nigrum, commonly known as black nightshade, is a plant in the family Solanaceae. It is native to Eurasia and introduced in the Americas, Australasia, and South Africa. It can be an annual or perennial and is known for its small, black berries. The plant has a history of use in traditional medicine but is also known to be toxic.

ALSO KNOWN AS

Black Nightshade
Solanum acutifolium
Solanum bidentatum
Solanum cechicum
Solanum cestrifolium
Solanum chenopodiifolium
Solanum chenopodium
Solanum chlorocarpum
Solanum cuneifolium
Solanum decipiens
Solanum deppei
Solanum exaratum
Solanum ganchouenense
Solanum guineense var. nepalense
Solanum hirsutum
Solanum humile
Solanum judaicum
Solanum memphiticum var. repandum
Solanum morella subsp. nigrum
Solanum moschatum
Solanum nigrum
Solanum nigrum f. chlorocarpum
Solanum nigrum f. genuinum
Solanum nigrum f. judaicum
Solanum nigrum f. luridum
Solanum nigrum f. pallidum
Solanum nigrum f. paludosum
Solanum nigrum f. stenopetalum
Solanum nigrum judaicum
Solanum nigrum paludosum
Solanum nigrum subsp. australiense
Solanum nigrum subsp. europaeum
Solanum nigrum subsp. schultesii
Solanum nigrum subvar. atriplicifolium
Solanum nigrum uliginosum
Solanum nigrum uniflorum
Solanum nigrum var. atriplicifolium
Solanum nigrum var. chlorocarpum
Solanum nigrum var. flavidum
Solanum nigrum var. genuinum
Solanum nigrum var. glabrum
Solanum nigrum var. griseocarpum
Solanum nigrum var. hebecaulon
Solanum nigrum var. hirsutum
Solanum nigrum var. incisum
Solanum nigrum var. inerme
Solanum nigrum var. judaicum
Solanum nigrum var. legitimum
Solanum nigrum var. macrocarpum
Solanum nigrum var. perennans
Solanum nigrum var. schultesii
Solanum nigrum var. stenopetalum
Solanum nigrum var. vulgare
Solanum nigrum var. vulgatum
Solanum paludosum
Solanum parviflorum
Solanum peregrinum
Solanum probstianum
Solanum pseudoflavum
Solanum reineggeri
Solanum repens
Solanum roxburghii
Solanum schultesii
Solanum stenopetalum
Solanum suffruticosum
Solanum tauschii
Solanum villosum
Solanum viride
Solanum vulgare
Solanum vulgatum
Solanum vulgatum var. chlorocarpum
Solanum vulgatum var. nigrum

OVERVIEW

WaterMoist
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature20° C
Humidity60%
GDD1,350
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar

WANT MORE TIPS?

DETAILS

Care Instructions
Solanum nigrum prefers temperate climates and should be grown in areas with moderate temperatures. It requires bright, direct sunlight for optimal growth and should be watered when the soil partially dries out. The plant thrives in moderate humidity levels.
Harvest
Solanum nigrum, commonly known as black nightshade, should be harvested when the berries are fully ripe, typically when they turn a deep purple or black color. Harvesting is usually done by hand, carefully picking the berries to avoid damaging the plant. It is important to wear gloves during harvest as the plant contains toxic alkaloids, especially in its unripe berries and leaves. Ensure that only the ripe berries are collected, as unripe berries can be harmful if ingested. The best time to harvest is during dry weather to prevent mold and spoilage.
Soil
The plant prefers well-draining loam soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Ensure the soil is kept moderately moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot.
Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10. Fertilize the plant every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to support healthy growth.
Repotting
Repot Solanum nigrum when it outgrows its current container, typically every 1-2 years. Choose a slightly larger pot with good drainage and fresh loam soil.
Propagation
Propagate Solanum nigrum through seeds or cuttings. Seeds can be sown in spring, while cuttings can be taken during the growing season and rooted in a moist, well-draining medium.
Pruning
Prune the plant to remove dead or damaged leaves and to maintain its shape. Pruning can be done throughout the growing season as needed.
Toxicity
Solanum nigrum is toxic to both pets and humans. All parts of the plant, especially the unripe berries, contain toxic alkaloids that can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested.
REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
Make Every Plant Smart
Plant Monitor

Plant Monitor

STAYS IN YOUR PLANT

Accurately measures the core metrics of your plant – soil moisture, light, temperature and humidity - as well as compound metrics such as Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) and Growing Degree Days (GDD).

Shop Now
Mobile App

Mobile App

DOWNLOAD ON YOUR DEVICE

Evaluates your plants' data, current weather, seasonality and more to precisely notify you about your plants needs. The app also comes loaded with many extra features to ensure your plants flourish.

newsletter background

Join Our Growing Community

Join for 10% off your first purchase, exclusive offers, better plant care, and more