By Andi Anderson
A new addition to the garden can be exciting, and wonderberries (Solanum burbankii) offer a unique harvest opportunity between strawberries and raspberries. Created by plant breeder Luther Burbank in the early 1900s, this berry comes from the nightshade family, which also includes tomatoes and eggplants.
Growing Wonderberries
Wonderberries are easy to grow. Start seeds indoors until the last frost passes, then transplant them into your garden or greenhouse.
They thrive in well-drained soil, producing small white flowers that turn into clusters of round berries. Be sure to monitor plants regularly for pests like tomato hornworms, which can damage leaves and slow growth.
In a greenhouse experiment, wonderberry plants faced a significant pest issue when tomato hornworms invaded.
Handpicking pests and providing plenty of water helped the plants recover, leading to a healthy crop. Regular monitoring and care are key to keeping wonderberry plants healthy.
Harvesting Wonderberries
When harvesting wonderberries, wait for the berries to turn from green to a shiny blackish-blue. Never pick green berries, as they may be toxic and taste bitter.
Ripe wonderberries are soft, mildly sweet, and great for making jams, jellies, or pie fillings. The berries are small, juicy, and can be easily harvested by gently rolling them off the stem.
Wonderberries are an annual plant, sensitive to frost, and grow best in warmer climates. While still under evaluation for community gardens, they provide a rewarding and educational growing experience for gardeners.
Photo Credit: pexels-greta-hoffman
Categories: Illinois, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables, Rural Lifestyle