Water
Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging. Allow the top 2-3 cm of soil to dry out between waterings.
Reduce watering frequency during cooler months when the plant's growth slows down to prevent root rot.
Also known as African Scarlet Eggplant · Chinese Scarlet Eggplant · Ethiopian Eggplant
Ethiopian Nightshade (Solanum aethiopicum) is a tropical vegetable crop grown for its edible leaves, fruits, and flowers. Native to Africa, it thrives in warm climates.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
High
75% intensity
Prefers full sun to partial shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 18°C and 24°C.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging. Allow the top 2-3 cm of soil to dry out between waterings.
Reduce watering frequency during cooler months when the plant's growth slows down to prevent root rot.
Prune to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Remove any dead, damaged, or leggy stems. Pinch back the tips of young plants to promote branching.
Pruning can also be done to manage size and remove spent flower stalks.
Propagate from seeds sown in spring or early summer. Sow seeds in a well-draining seed-starting mix and keep them moist and warm. Germination typically takes 1-3 weeks.
Seedlings can be transplanted once they have several true leaves.
Repot young plants annually in spring to provide more space for root growth. Mature plants can be repotted every 2-3 years or when they become root-bound.
Use a well-draining potting mix and a pot that is slightly larger than the current one.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Ethiopian Nightshade (Solanum aethiopicum)
Where Ethiopian Nightshade (Solanum aethiopicum) is found
Density
Tap map to explore
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Solanum |
| Species | Solanum aethiopicum |
Similar in genus Solanum
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
