Flower Specifications
- Season: Perennial
- USDA Zones: 8 - 11
- Height: 16 inches
- Bloom Season: Late spring to early summer
- Bloom Color: White
- Environment: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Type: Rich, well-drained soil, pH 6.6 - 7.5
Planting Directions
- Temperature: 60 - 65F
- Average Germ Time: 14 - 21 days
- Light Required: No
- Depth: 1/4 - 1/2 inch deep in loose soil
- Sowing Rate: 2 - 3 seeds per plant
- Moisture: Keep seeds moist until germination
- Plant Spacing: 9 - 12 inches
- Care & Maintenance: See: Jerusalem Cherry
Jerusalem Cherry (Solanum Pseudocapsicum) - This ornamental plant is a nightshade species with poisonous fruit. It is commonly known as the Jerusalem Cherry, Madeira Winter Cherry, or, "winter cherry." These perennials can be grown decoratively as house plants or outdoors as an ornamental plant. Jerusalem Cherry will grow as a perennial indoors or outdoors down to USDA Zone 8. In colder zones, Jerusalem Cherry will only be an annual. Indoors or in frost free zones, Jerusalem Cherry plants will live up to 10 years, producing fruit usually in their second or third year, and every year after that.
The Jerusalem Cherry's poison is primarily solanocapsine, which is similar to other alkaloids found in their genus, such as solanine and atropine. Although the toxin is poisonous, it is generally not life-threatening. It may cause gastric problems, including vomiting and gastroenteritis.
Jerusalem Cherry is an excellent plant addition, especially for container gardening, whether indoors as a house plant or outdoors in the garden. Such a decorative evergreen plant with brilliant orange-red cherries to enjoy! Meaning, simply to see, touch and feel but never to consume as the fruits are inedible and poisonous!
