Naranjilla/ Lulo Plant (Solanum quitoense) 2L Pot

Solanum quitoense is an Andean fruit plant grown for its distinctive tropical foliage and unusual orange fruit.

Naranjilla produces large, velvety green leaves marked with purple veins, giving the plant an almost prehistoric appearance. Young stems and foliage can develop violet colouring, while mature plants may also produce prickles along the stems and leaves.

Given sufficient warmth, light and a long growing season, mature plants can produce clusters of white, star-shaped flowers followed by round orange fruit. The aromatic green pulp has a refreshing, sharp and citrus-like flavour and is traditionally used throughout Colombia and Ecuador in juices, desserts and other drinks.

In the UK, Naranjilla can be grown as a conservatory, greenhouse or summer patio plant. It grows quickly in warm conditions and can become a sizeable container plant, even when grown primarily for its foliage.

Plant Details

Botanical name: Solanum quitoense
Common names: Lulo, Naranjilla, Quito Orange
Plant family: Solanaceae
Habit: Fast-growing, bushy tropical shrub
Potential height: Approximately 1.5–2.5 metres under suitable conditions
Foliage: Large, velvety green leaves with purple veins
Flowers: White, star-shaped flowers
Fruit: Round orange fruit with aromatic green pulp
Position: Full sun or bright partial shade
Suitable for: Greenhouses, conservatories, patios and large containers
Hardiness: Tender and not frost hardy

Growing Advice

Grow your Naranjilla in a large container filled with fertile, moisture-retentive but well-draining compost. Keep the compost consistently moist during active growth, but do not leave the pot standing in water.

Place the plant somewhere warm, bright and sheltered from strong winds, as its large leaves can be damaged in exposed positions. Plants may be moved outside during warm summer weather but should be brought under cover before temperatures begin to fall in autumn.

Feed regularly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertiliser. Once flower buds begin to develop, a tomato or other high-potassium feed can be used to support flowering and fruit development.

Overwinter in a bright, frost-free greenhouse, conservatory or heated indoor growing space. Keeping the plant above approximately 10°C is recommended for continued growth, although established plants may tolerate brief periods slightly below this when kept dry and protected.

Fruiting in the UK

Naranjilla requires warmth, strong light and a long growing season to ripen fruit successfully. Mature plants may flower and fruit under greenhouse or conservatory conditions, but fruit production and ripening cannot be guaranteed in the UK.

What You Will Receive

You will receive one healthy, established Solanum quitoense plant. Plants are typically dispatched at approximately 20–30 cm tall.

Plant height, leaf size and colouring will vary naturally depending on the time of year and stage of growth.

Important Information

The foliage and stems are covered in fine hairs and may develop sharp prickles, so gloves are recommended when handling mature plants.

Do not eat the leaves, stems or flowers. Only fully ripe fruit should be considered for consumption. Keep the plant away from children and pets that may chew the foliage.