Tomato - Litchi

Minimum Seed Count: 10

 The Litchi Tomato is a rare South American heirloom that produces clusters of bright red, cherry-sized fruits wrapped in papery husks, growing on a sprawling plant covered in sharp thorns. Though related to the nightshade family, Litchi fruits are not a true tomato. The fruits offer a unique sweet-tart flavor, often compared to a semi sweet cherry and can be used as a substitute for a lot of recipes containing cherries! Enjoy the ripe friots fresh off the plant or transform them into homemade jams, preserves, pies, and sauces! Wear gloves when harvesting, as the thorny husks can get sharp!

Plant Details

• Species: Solanum sisymbriifolium
• Plant Type: Annual fruiting plant
• Days to Maturity: Approximately 90–120 days
• Fruit Size: ½–¾ inch in diameter
• Fruit Color: Bright red when ripe
• Flesh Color: Yellow to orange
• Flavor: Sweet-tart, often compared to a blend of cherry, tomato, and sour fruit
• Growth Habit: Large, bushy, heavily prickled plants
• Mature Height: 4–8 feet, potentially taller in ideal conditions
• Primary Uses: Fresh eating, jams, preserves, pies, sauces, and fruit tarts

Growing Guide

Starting Seeds

• Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last expected frost.
• Maintain soil temperatures around 70–80°F for germination.
• Sow seeds approximately ⅛ inch deep.
• Keep the growing medium consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Germination may take 1–3 weeks.
• Provide bright light once seedlings emerge.

Planting

• Transplant outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.
• Harden plants off gradually before transplanting.
• Choose a location receiving full sun.
• Space plants approximately 3–4 feet apart.
• Grow in fertile, well-drained soil.
• Select a location with plenty of room, away from walkways, due to the plant's sharp prickles.

Growing Conditions

• Full sun (6–8+ hours daily)
• Warm growing temperatures
• Fertile, well-drained soil
• Consistent moisture during fruit development
• Plenty of space for large, branching plants

Care

• Water regularly, especially during flowering and fruit production.
• Avoid keeping soil constantly waterlogged.
• Apply mulch around plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
• Fertilize moderately throughout the growing season.
• Provide sturdy support if plants become large or heavily loaded with fruit.
• Wear thick gloves when handling plants, as the stems, leaves, and fruit husks are covered in sharp prickles.

Harvesting

• Harvest berries only when they are fully ripe and bright red.
• Look for husks that have dried back or opened to reveal the ripe fruit.
• Ripe berries should detach easily from the plant.
• Use gloves or tongs to avoid the sharp prickles.
• Enjoy ripe fruits fresh or use them in jams, preserves, pies, sauces, and other cooked dishes.
• Do not eat green or unripe fruits.

History

Native to South America, Litchi Tomato has been grown for generations as both an unusual edible fruit and an ornamental garden plant. Also known as Morelle de Balbis, Vila-vila, and Red Buffalo-bur, this distinctive member of the nightshade family has attracted gardeners for well over a century. Historical seed catalogs from the 1800s promoted it as an exotic fruit suitable for pies and sauces. Today, it remains a favorite among heirloom enthusiasts for its unusual appearance, edible berries, and versatility in the kitchen.