{"product_id":"naranjilla-solanum-quitoense-2l-pot","title":"Naranjilla\/ Lulo Plant (Solanum quitoense) 2L Pot","description":"\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eSolanum quitoense is an Andean fruit plant grown for its distinctive tropical foliage and unusual orange fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eNaranjilla 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eGiven 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eIn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003ePlant Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Solanum quitoense\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lulo, Naranjilla, Quito Orange\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant family:\u003c\/strong\u003e Solanaceae\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHabit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fast-growing, bushy tropical shrub\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePotential height:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 1.5–2.5 metres under suitable conditions\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Large, velvety green leaves with purple veins\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlowers:\u003c\/strong\u003e White, star-shaped flowers\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFruit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Round orange fruit with aromatic green pulp\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun or bright partial shade\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e Greenhouses, conservatories, patios and large containers\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tender and not frost hardy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eGrowing Advice\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eGrow 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003ePlace 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eFeed 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eOverwinter 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eFruiting in the UK\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eNaranjilla 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eWhat You Will Receive\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eYou will receive one healthy, established Solanum quitoense plant. Plants are typically dispatched at approximately 20–30 cm tall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003ePlant height, leaf size and colouring will vary naturally depending on the time of year and stage of growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eImportant Information\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eThe foliage and stems are covered in fine hairs and may develop sharp prickles, so gloves are recommended when handling mature plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eDo 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Plant Nursery","offers":[{"title":"20-30cm","offer_id":56352036290900,"sku":"TFPSOLQU","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1033\/6354\/3380\/files\/271FDE85-E292-4A9F-A27C-74C2FE6C4743.jpg?v=1786912151","url":"https:\/\/tropicalplantnursery.co.uk\/products\/naranjilla-solanum-quitoense-2l-pot","provider":"Tropical Plant Nursery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}