Solanum mammosum – Nipplefruit

Description

Solanum mammosum – Nipple Fruit / Cow’s Nipple

Family: Solanaceae
Packet: 12 seeds

Description

Solanum mammosum is a tropical ornamental relative of eggplant, grown for its unusual waxy yellow fruit with distinctive lobed protrusions. It has broad leaves and small purple flowers before fruit develops.

Key Features

• Fruit Colour: Yellow
• Plant habit: Upright shrubby plant
• Garden interest and important notes: The attractive fruit is decorative only and is toxic if eaten. Keep fruits and plants away from children and pets. This species is under a separate biosecurity review for interstate sales.

Growing Conditions

• Position: Full sun in a warm, sheltered area.
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil.
• Water: Water evenly during active growth without saturating the roots.
• Climate: Tropical or frost-free subtropical conditions; frost-sensitive.

Seed Propagation

1. Sow: Sow shallowly, around 3–5 mm deep, in fine seed mix.
2. Germination conditions: Keep warm in bright light and lightly moist until germination.
3. After germination: Pot on after seedlings have true leaves and harden off gradually before planting out.

WARNING: Fruits and other parts are poisonous; not for consumption. Confirm local and destination biosecurity rules before sale.

Germination advice: These instructions are a recommended guide. Germination results and timing may vary depending on seed freshness, storage, temperature and growing conditions. Alternative propagation methods may also be successful.