Solanum dulcamara Seeds | Bittersweet Nightshade
LATIN NAME: Solanum dulcamara
COMMON NAME: Bittersweet Nightshade
Plant Profile
Among the ornamental and useful plants raised from seed, Bittersweet Nightshade (Solanum dulcamara) stands out as a climber in the family Solanaceae, native to Europe and Asia. Bittersweet nightshade bells scrambling, woody climber with arrow-shaped, dark-green leaves and loose clusters of small, violet-purple flowers with bright-yellow centres, flowers belling through summer, small, glossy, red berries following. Plant twines through hedges and fences, and it likes sun or light shade, and moist, well-drained soil. Taken as a whole, it is a plant that repays a little attention many times over.
Science & Biotechnology
Like other members of Solanaceae, Solanum dulcamara draws steady attention from botanists and plant breeders, who value the genus both as a subject of research and as a source of garden-worthy material. Yellow-centred flowers of bittersweet nightshade give it a recognised place in research on twining hedgerow plants of great nightshade family, and dulcamara species appears in studies of stem chemistry and traditional uses. Continuing work by breeders and collectors keeps good seed of this species moving through the trade.
Uses & Benefits
Bittersweet Nightshade works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. In wild corner, bittersweet nightshade bells summer fence with violet flowers. Berries feed birds through autumn, twining stems clothe fences and banks, and plant has served old practice for generations, though berries are for birds, not for the table. It grows well in moist, well-drained ground. Once settled, it thrives on neglect more than on fussing.
The nightshade genus feeds the world, potato, tomato, eggplant, and arms it too: goji is its tonic member, while many ornamentals carry toxic solanine-type alkaloids, so identification is everything in this genus.
Growing from Seed
Raising Bittersweet Nightshade from seed is straightforward. Fill a pot with a light seed compost, sow evenly on the surface, cover thinly and stand it somewhere warm, bright and evenly moist. Move strong seedlings into individual pots, keep them in good light, and set them out when the weather and their size agree.
Our Take
A plant of europe and asia, it carries that landscape’s resilience into the garden. Given the right start, Bittersweet Nightshade is a long-term garden companion. Beginners will find it patient of imperfect technique.
Related Reading
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