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Details
The Kangaroo Apple is a unique and adaptable fruiting plant from the Solanaceae (nightshade) family, native to Australia and New Zealand. This vigorous, hardy shrub grows quickly and produces an abundance of ornamental, egg-shaped fruits, which transition from green to deep orange when ripe. Fully mature fruits are sweet, tangy, and juicy, with a flavor reminiscent of melon and cherry tomatoes.
Beyond its edible and culinary value, the Kangaroo Apple is celebrated for its large, deeply lobed leaves and star-shaped flowers, which range from white to pale lavender or rich purple, blooming in spring and summer. Australians enjoy them in baking, jams, and savory dishes, as they pair well with meats and poultry. To ensure optimal ripeness, the fruits should be left to fully mature on the plant or ripen in a warm, sunny place. With its historical significance, striking appearance, and culinary versatility.
Michigan Seeds and Plants grown on our farm, Renegade Acres, in Howell, MI!
Certified Organic by Oregon Tilth.
Additional Info
| Botanical Name | Solanum laciniatum |
|---|---|
| Life Cycle | Annual |
| Min. Time to Germinate | 14 Days |
| Max. Time to Germinate | 30 Days |
| Depth to Sow Seeds | 1/8 in. |
| When to Sow | Indoors 6-8 weeks before last spring frost |
| Growing Height | 4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m) |
| Plant Spacing | 36-48 in. (90-120 cm) |
| Hardiness | USDA Zone 9a: to 25F, USDA Zone 9b: to 30F, USDA Zone 10a: to 35F, USDA Zone 10b: to 40F, USDA Zone 11a: to 45F, USDA Zone 11b: to 50F |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun |
| Danger | Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested |
| Bloom Color | Purple |
| Bloom Time | Late Spring/Early Summer, Mid-Summer |
| Foliage | Evergreen, Smooth-Textured |
| Other Details | Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater |
| Soil pH Requirements | 5.6 to 6.0 (acidic), 6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic), 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral) |
| Propagation Methods | From hardwood cuttings, From seed; sow indoors before last frost |
| Seed Collecting | Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds |
| Seeds Per Pack | 15 |
