How to grow Naranjilla

An attractive, large solanaceae – plants can reach 5-8 feet tall, with a broad spread, so give them lots of room.

A short day plant; keep this in mind if you are attempting fruit; prefers semi-shade or filtered light. Root nematodes are a common problem with in-ground plants. Intolerant of temps below freezing; plants may be damaged by extreme heat as well. New growth is purple-tinged, and veins on mature leaves are bright purple as well; the tops and undersides of the veins often sport some rather serious-looking thorns. All parts of the plant are covered in dense peach-fuzz.

Leaves are quite large, somewhat similar to tamarillo. Watch out for the usual nightshade pests. Soil should be kept moist/damp, but never soaking wet, in very well-draining soil. With good care, naranjillas can get large very quickly.

A tropical plant, but a high-altitude tropical, so heat over 85 fahrenheit can be detrimental. Extended periods of intense sunlight, especially when temperatures are also high, may cause wilting of foliage, or pollen sterilization.

The fruit is initially covered in bristly fuzz (which may cause minor skin itchiness – harvest with gloves) until fully ripe – at this point the fuzz will rub off – gently wash fruit with a cloth under running water. Fruit has a tropical/citrus flavor, somewhat reminiscent of lime, pineapple and rhubarb; fruit is very very seedy however; the fruit will ripen to bright orange, with greenish pulp. Great in jams, jellies, chutneys, sorbets, and fruit salsas. As with all nightshade/solanaceae fruit, other parts of the plant should not be eaten. Naranjilla will hybridize with its’ closest relatives – cocona (Solanum sessiliflorum) and pseudolulo (Solanum pseudolulo), which also bear edible fruit.

Naranjilla (or lulo, as they are known in the NW part of South America) are striking in appearance, though very challenging to grow. The fruit is very popular in Colombia, Peru and Ecuador, and has proven to be very resistant to commercial cultivation elsewhere, due to the delicacy of the plants.

Because it takes at least six months from planting to start harvesting, this plant is not suitable to cold climate areas. It is a good option to be a potted plant though.

Ensure that temperatures are mild (minimum night temperatures should be around 0°C / 32°F) and all chance of frost has passed before planting out, as Naranjilla is a tender plant.

Harvest with great care; there are spineless cultivars, but most plants and most seeds commercially available are for spiny varieties. Unripe fruit is covered in bristly hairs that will be an irritant to some; they easily rub off the ripe fruit. With proper care, plant can fruit from seed in 6-12 months; total lifespan is a few years – roundabout age 4, fruit production will start to decline.

These estimates for how long Naranjilla takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.

Lulo, Bed of nails

¹ toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/SOLANUM_QUITOENSE.htm