At a Glance
- Common Name: Porcupine tomato, Devil’s thorn.
- Scientific Name: Solanum pyracanthum
- Native Region: Madagascar
- Lifespan: In USDA Zones 9–11, it can grow as a perennial, but in cooler zones, it is typically grown as an annual because it cannot survive frost.
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Size: Height: 2-3 feet Width: 1–2 feet
- Planting Zones: USDA Zones 9–11 (can be grown as an annual outside these zones).
- Soil Requirement: Well-drained soil, tolerates sandy or rocky soils.
- Water Requirement: Moderate; allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Foliage Color: Blue-green leaves with prominent orange spines on the veins.
- Foliage Season: Year-round in warmer climates; summer and fall in cooler zones.
- Flower Color: Violet-blue
- Flower Season: Late spring to summer.
- Fruit: Small, round, green fruits that ripen to yellow-orange (ornamental, not edible).
- Fruiting Season: Late summer to early fall.
- Wildlife: It attracts bees and other pollinators during the flowering season but is generally avoided by herbivores due to its spiny foliage and toxic properties.
Introduction
Porcupine tomato or devil’s thorn is an evergreen shrub native to tropical Madagascar, and this shrub is actually a variegated plant belonging to the Solanum genus. This genus includes not only tomatoes but also more than 1,500 other species, including potatoes and nightshades.
The porcupine quill plant bears some fruit resemble to the tomato. It is a type of tropical evergreen plant. You can grow this plant easily on tobs with proper care.
The porcupine tomato is mainly known for its striking appearance, which has bright orange spines, contrasting sharply with the soft blue-green leaves. Its aesthetic appearance can serve as a starter for your garden. Despite its exotic appearance, it is easy to grow if you try to grow it with proper care.
People grow these types of plants as hobbies on their balconies, but they are considered dangerous to humans because the leaves, stems, and fruits of these plants contain toxic tropane alkaloids.
However, keeping in mind the popularity of these plants, we will give you a brief description of how to grow or care for these plants.
Description of Porcupine Tomatoes
Solanum pyracanthum is the botanical name for the porcupine tomato, a popular exotic plant in the United States. Solanum is part of the tomato family that is probably best known for its strong, upright, fluorescent orange stems.
How to Grow Porcupine Tomatoes
Porcupine tomato is a perennial shrub that can grow from 3 to 5 feet tall and wide. These plants grow mainly in warm climates and are almost always grown as annuals in cooler climates. These plants basically prefer warm and sunny environments, so you can plant them on the roof of your house where the gentle sunlight will touch the plants, and the plants will grow beautifully under the touch of that gentle sunlight. They grow in cool climates, and in warm climates they require temperatures of 9 to 11 degrees Celsius.
The ideal soil requirement for this plant is well-draining soil with an acidic pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. These plants prefer moderately moist conditions to thrive.
Planting Porcupine Tomatoes
Soil Preparation
A. Soil Testing
- The first step in soil preparation is to test the soil. Test the pH and nutrient levels of the soil you have chosen for planting.
- Make sure the soil pH level is between 6.0 and 7.0.
B. Soil Condition
- Choose soil that has good structure, so don’t choose clay or sandy soil; always try to choose loamy soil.
- Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Propagation
Porcupine tomatoes can be propagated by seed or cuttings. These seeds can be started indoors in the most common method.
Sowing Seeds
- Start sowing seeds indoors from the last frost.
- Use a tray for sowing seeds that can be well drained.
- Use well-drained soil and sow the seeds ¼ inches deep and cover lightly.
- Keep the soil in the tray where you sowed the seeds moist but not waterlogged.
- Keep the seeds in a warm place with a temperature of 21 to 24 degrees Celsius because these seeds grow quickly at this temperature.
- Keep an eye out because these seeds sprout within 7 to 14 days.
Implantation
- Once the seeds have two or three leaves, they can be transplanted into larger pots or into your garden.
- The seedlings will gradually adapt to the outside weather within a week.
- Once you feel the plants are large enough, you can plant them 18 to 24 inches apart in well-drained soil in a bright location.
The most essential thing for healthy growth of porcupine tomatoes is soil preparation. There are several steps you need to follow when preparing the soil. The steps are:
Care of Porcupine Tomatoes
Watering
Porcupine tomato is a drought-tolerant plant but requires consistent moisture for its initial growth.
Watering Schedule
- There is no need to water the plant constantly or every day because this plant needs dry soil, so water it deeply once or twice a week.
- Water at the base of the plant. Avoid overhead watering.
Fertilizer
- Regular feeding helps in normal growth and flowering of porcupine tomatoes.
- For normal growth, use equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium on the plant.
- Try applying a diluted liquid fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season.
- Apply the correct dosage according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Never apply more than the recommended dosage.
Pruning
- Regular maintenance is essential to keep hedgehog tomatoes healthy and encourages bushy growth habits.
- To keep the tree healthy, try to remove any dead or damaged branches.
Pest and Disease Management
- Porcupine tomatoes are relatively pest-resistant compared to other plants because they have thorns, but we still need to manage their pests and diseases.
- If you notice that your plant has any kind of insect or disease, you can use Neem oil.
Winter Care
- Growing annual porcupine tomatoes in cool climates. You can grow the plant in a pot, and a temperature of 10 degrees is sufficient for this, but try to keep the pot in a bright place.
- To keep the plant healthy, you can occasionally take it out to the sun on the balcony or roof.
Harvesting and Use
Decorative Use
The fruits of the porcupine tomato cannot be eaten because they are poisonous. They are mainly grown for ornamental purposes. Its attractive orange thorns and purple flowers make the plants more attractive.
The beauty of flowers makes the garden a special feature of the landscape.
Garden Design
- You can use porcupine tomatoes as a focal point in your garden.
- The unique appearance of this plant makes your garden stand out from the rest.
Warning
Porcupine tomatoes are great to grow in your home. They can serve as one of the focal points of your garden, but one caution should be taken. They are poisonous if eaten and can cause skin irritation. If you have small children at home, it is very important to be careful before planting this type of plant.
Handle the plant with care and water, and fertilize it on time.
Security Measures
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Apply injections to prevent insects.
Conclusion
For those who love gardening and growing unique and eye-catching plants, growing porcupine tomatoes can be a rewarding experience. Porcupine tomatoes can be a great addition to your garden. Their attractive appearance makes your garden look one of the most attractive among others. This plant needs only a little care to grow and thrive healthily.
By following the guidelines outlined in this guide, you can successfully grow porcupine tomatoes and enjoy and enhance the beauty of your garden. Ensure a safe and enjoyable gardening experience and follow our site for more plant enhancements.