House Plant Index
JERUSALEM CHERRY
CHRISTMAS CHERRY
Solanum pseudo-capsicum
| Flowers |
Summer, berries in winter |
| Potting or re-potting time |
June and July |
| Position in garden during summer |
Shade |
| Potting Mixture |
4 |
Jerusalem cherry is grown for its persistent and brilliant red berries. The small white flowers, borne during the summer, are not particularly attractive.
In spite of its name, the plant is in no way related to the real cherries. It belongs to the same botanical family, which includes the potato, tomato, eggplant, and deadly nightshade.
Jerusalem cherry is difficult to manage in houses where there is any possibility of contact with illuminating or coal gas. Even a trace of gas in the atmosphere is enough to cause berries to fall from the plant, and leaves to curl. A sudden chill or prolonged dry heat will have the same effect.
Grow in a cool place, 50 to 60 degrees, and give the plant abundant water while in active growth; spray the foliage often. A glass of manure water should be given weekly.
Sometime in early spring, the leaves and berries will begin to fall. When this occurs, cut the plant back severely and place it in a cool place at a window in the cellar, perhaps, where the temperature in around 40 degrees. It must have light, but watering may be limited to once a week. In May, after all danger of frost is past, the plant should be plunged in the garden and active watering resumed. Return to the house in September.
Propagation is by seed and stem cuttings made with a heel attached. |
