Solanum heterodoxum
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Solanum heterodoxum

Melonleaf nightshade · Melon-leaf nightshade

Tier 2 Difficulty: medium Water: low Light: full_sun
Temperature
20–37 °C
Soil pH
6–8
Hardiness
Zone 9–11
Click count
30
Observations
15

Description

Source: leafsnap

Solanum heterodoxum, the melonleaf nightshade, is a species of flowering plant in the family Solanaceae. It is native to Mexico and the US state of New Mexico, and has been introduced to Bulgaria. Solanum heterodoxum var. setigeroides is now considered to be a full species, Solanum setigeroides, native to more northerly areas of the United States than S. heterodoxum.

Care Guide

💧 Water
☀️ Light Full sun

Melon-leaf nightshade comes from bright, open habitats and performs best in full sun. It tolerates some partial shade but prefers direct sunlight for optimal growth. This annual or biennial plant is noted for its sun-loving character.

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C

Melon-leaf nightshade can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, though its distribution may still be restricted by different combinations of moisture and heat. It does best in warm summer climates with sufficient rainfall or irrigation. Extended periods of cloudy, rainy weather, as well as prolonged high temperatures, can increase the chance of Melon-leaf nightshade dying. In winter, proper protection from cold can enhance the plant's survival.

Ideal temperature: 20–37.8°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-8
Soil pH: 6-8
🌱 Fertilizer

Melon-leaf nightshade does well with regular, light applications of fertilizer to encourage healthy leaf development. Feed Melon-leaf nightshade about once a month during the summer. Nitrogen is essential for foliage, and providing nitrogen-rich sources supports Melon-leaf nightshade's vigorous growth.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Annual
Genus
Solanum
Family
Solanaceae
Hardiness Zone
9-11
Mature Height
30 cm to 61 cm
Mature Spread
30 cm to 49 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
Purple, Lavender
Flower Size
2.03 cm to 3.05 cm
Bloom Time
Late spring, Summer, Early fall
Planting Time
Spring, Autumn
Harvest Time
Mid summer, Late summer, Fall
Native Area
Mexico

Tags (6)

Common Names (2)

en Melonleaf nightshade
en Melon-leaf nightshade