The care of the nightshade (bot. Solanum) cannot be described in a few words, after all, this is a genus of plants, not a single species or variety. Solanum belongs to the large nightshade family (bot. Solanaceae).
How do I properly care for a solanum plant?
To properly care for a nightshade (Solanum), choose a warm, sunny location with nutrient-rich, loose and well-drained soil. Water regularly, fertilize depending on the species and make sure there is enough space and climbing support for climbing species.
Different types of nightshade
The Solanum genus includes around 1,400 species, some of which are very different, including well-known crops such as potatoes, tomatoes, peppers and eggplants and less well-known ones such as the tamarillo. Other species are cultivated as ornamental plants, such as summer jasmine (bot. Solanum jasminoides or Solanum laxum) and bittersweet nightshade (bot. Solanum dulcamara). The black nightshade, on the other hand, is considered a weed.
Selection of location and the right soil
The different nightshades can be found almost all over the world. They have adapted to the conditions and climate of the respective region. Many of them love the warmth and thrive in the winter garden. The summer jasmine also feels very comfortable on the terrace or in the garden in summer, provided it is protected from rain and wind.
Slightly moist but still loose soil is well suited for planting a nightshade. However, the nutrient requirements are quite high. If the soil is not humic enough, you should enrich it with a portion of well-rotted manure or mature compost. You can incorporate gravel, clay granules and/or sand for loosening and drainage. This will help you avoid the formation of waterlogging.
Water and fertilize correctly
As plants with high nutrient requirements, nightshade should be fertilized regularly. The type of fertilizer depends on the use. For crops, only use special fertilizers (e.g. tomato fertilizer); for other species, commercial liquid fertilizer is sufficient. Regular watering is just as important, even daily in summer.
The most important things in brief:
- Location: best warm and sunny, possibly slightly shady
- Soil: nutrient-rich, loose and permeable
- Space requirement: very individual
- Climbing plants need climbing support
- often not hardy
- many species poisonous!
Tip
Most species of the “nightshade” genus are considered to be more or less poisonous. You should therefore think carefully about planting in the family garden.
