Wonderberries, aka Sunberries or Garden Hucklebarries are an interesting way to grow fruit in the garden without the long wait for bushes or trees to produce. An heirloom developed by Luther Burbank in the 1900's produce tasty fruit similar to small black, blueberries. They are good fresh, but even better when sweetened and cooked. Short plants produce good yields rather quickly. They are best when left on the plant as long as possible and turn from glossy to dull. Very easy to grow and fun for kids. I recommend growing in a raised bed for easy harvest.
Family: Solanaceae (so-lan-AY-see-ee)
Genus: Solanum (so-LAN-num)
Species: x burbankii (bur-BANK-ee-eye)
Category:
Annuals
Edible Fruits and Nuts
Height:
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
Spacing:
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
Sun Exposure:
Full Sun
Danger:
Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested, only harvest ripe berries
Bloom Color:
White/Near White
Bloom Time:
Mid Summer
Foliage:
Velvet/Fuzzy-Textured
Soil pH requirements:
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
Days: 75 days
Size: Indeterminate
Season: Mid-Season
Seed Type:
Open-pollinated Heirloom
Other details:
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Propagation Methods:
From seed; sow indoors before last frost
Seed Collecting:
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds
Plant seeds ON TOP of moist soil. Add additional soil after plants show 2nd set of leaves and become leggy. May be planted outdoors after frost.
