Blue Sausage Fruit (Solanum sambucifolium) is an exotic ornamental plant admired for its unusual fruit shape and vibrant garden appeal. This rare species produces elongated, bluish-purple fruits resembling small sausages, complemented by clusters of delicate star-shaped flowers. Native to tropical regions, it’s prized for its striking appearance and easy growth under warm, sunny conditions.
While Solanum sambucifolium is primarily cultivated as an ornamental species, it adds a unique and colorful touch to home gardens, conservatories, or decorative containers. With proper care, it becomes a conversation piece in any botanical collection.
Features
- Produces elongated blue-purple “sausage-like” ornamental fruits
- Decorative plant with star-shaped blossoms
- Distinctive addition to tropical or indoor gardens
- Non-GMO and adaptable to warm climates
- Ideal for container gardening and botanical collectors
- Easy to grow from seed with minimal maintenance
Specifications
- Scientific Name: Solanum sambucifolium
- Common Name: Blue Sausage Fruit
- Plant Type: Perennial ornamental shrub
- Growth Height: 3–6 feet
- Spread: 2–4 feet
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9–11
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Type: Well-drained, fertile loam with organic content
- Bloom Season: Spring to summer
- Fruit Season: Late summer to early fall
- Fruit Color: Blue to violet
- GMO Status: Non-GMO
- Planting Season: Spring or early summer
- Sowing Depth: ¼ inch
- Germination Time: 14–28 days at 70–85°F
- Watering Needs: Moderate; keep soil evenly moist
- Maintenance: Light pruning after fruiting; protect from frost
- Uses: Ornamental gardening, greenhouse plant, decorative collections
Planting Guide
- Prepare Soil: Use rich, well-drained potting mix or garden soil.
- Sow Seeds: Plant ¼ inch deep and keep soil lightly moist.
- Light: Provide full sun or bright indirect light indoors.
- Watering: Maintain consistent moisture; avoid waterlogging.
- Transplanting: Move seedlings outdoors or to large pots after risk of frost.
- Fertilizer: Feed monthly during the growing season with balanced nutrients.
- Maintenance: Prune lightly for shape and remove faded flowers.
