The Blue Sausage Fruit (Decaisnea fargesii) is a unique and striking tree or shrub that produces long, blue, sausage-shaped fruit. Known for its unusual appearance and striking blue color, this plant is both ornamental and edible, making it a fascinating addition to any garden. The Blue Sausage Fruit plant has attractive foliage, beautiful flowers, and the distinct fruit which can be eaten once fully ripe. This plant is perfect for those looking to add both beauty and function to their garden, whether used as an ornamental feature or as an edible fruit-bearing plant.

Key Features:

• Exotic, Edible Fruit: The Blue Sausage Fruit produces long, blue, cylindrical fruits that are sweet and can be eaten once fully ripe, offering a unique taste experience.
• Unique Appearance: The fruits, with their striking blue color, add a dramatic and exotic look to the garden, making this plant a conversation starter.
• Ornamental Appeal: In addition to its edible fruit, the Blue Sausage Fruit plant features elegant, pinnate leaves and yellow flowers, adding visual interest year-round.
• Hardy and Low Maintenance: This shrub or small tree is relatively easy to grow and care for, making it suitable for gardeners of all experience levels.
• Wildlife-Friendly: The plant’s flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, while the fruits may be enjoyed by birds once they are ripe.

Growing Information:

Light:
The Blue Sausage Fruit prefers full sun to partial shade. While it can tolerate some shade, it thrives best in locations with plenty of direct sunlight.

Soil:
This plant thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. It can adapt to various soil types, including sandy and loamy soils, but good drainage is key to prevent root rot.

Planting Tips:
Start seeds indoors or in a greenhouse in early spring. Soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting to help improve germination. Plant the seeds about 1/8 inch deep in a seed-starting mix and keep moist. Once the seedlings have developed, transplant them outdoors when the weather is warm and the risk of frost has passed. Choose a location with enough space for the plant to mature, as it can grow up to 6-8 feet tall and wide.

Watering:
Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. However, avoid overwatering as the plant does not like soggy soil. Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant but benefits from regular watering during the growing season.

Temperature:
The Blue Sausage Fruit is hardy in USDA Zones 5-9, making it suitable for a wide range of climates. It can tolerate cold winters and hot summers, but protection from heavy frost may be needed in colder zones.

Pruning:
Prune after flowering to shape the plant and remove any dead or damaged wood. Light pruning can help maintain its form, but avoid heavy pruning as this can reduce fruiting potential.

Benefits:

• Exotic and Unique Fruit: The Blue Sausage Fruit offers an unusual blue fruit that is edible when fully ripe. Its sweet taste is a treat for adventurous gardeners and fruit lovers alike.
• Attractive Foliage and Flowers: The plant features attractive, pinnate leaves that are lush and green, providing year-round visual interest. The yellow flowers that bloom in spring add an additional layer of beauty to the garden.
• Ornamental Value: With its striking fruits, attractive leaves, and unique form, this plant is an excellent ornamental addition to any garden, creating a standout feature.
• Wildlife-Friendly: The flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, while the ripe fruits may provide food for birds and other wildlife.
• Low Maintenance: This plant is easy to grow and maintain, making it a good choice for gardeners of all experience levels. It thrives with basic care and adds a touch of the exotic to your landscape.

Growing Zones:
The Blue Sausage Fruit is hardy in USDA Zones 5-9. It can tolerate temperatures down to around -20°F (-29°C), making it suitable for a variety of climates, from colder temperate regions to milder subtropical areas.

How to Use in the Garden:

• Ornamental Specimen: The Blue Sausage Fruit plant’s striking blue fruits and elegant foliage make it an excellent ornamental specimen for garden beds, borders, or even in containers.
• Edible Landscape: Add this fruit tree to an edible landscape where you can enjoy the unique, sweet fruits while enhancing the overall aesthetic of your garden.
• Pollinator Garden: The yellow flowers attract bees and butterflies, making it a valuable addition to a pollinator-friendly garden.
• Privacy Hedge or Screen: The plant’s size and dense growth make it suitable for use as a hedge or privacy screen, providing both functional and aesthetic benefits.

Conclusion:
The Blue Sausage Fruit (Decaisnea fargesii) is an exotic, edible, and ornamental plant that will delight gardeners with its striking appearance and unique blue fruit. Whether you're looking for a visually stunning addition to your garden or a fruit-bearing plant that adds variety to your harvest, the Blue Sausage Fruit is a fantastic choice. With 7 seeds in this pack, you can start your own collection of this fascinating plant, and enjoy its beauty and edible rewards for years to come.