Cyphomandra betacea

Germination

Sow under glass in spring. Surface sow onto moist, well-drained seed compost. Just cover with a sprinkling of soil. Ideal temp. 20-25°C. Germination takes 20-25 days approx. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle to individual pots and grow on in the greenhouse for at least the 1st winter. Plant out, if desired after danger of frost has passed.

Growing

Prefers any moist but well-drained soil in full or partial sun. It is frost tender, best grown under glass in the UK or placed outside in warmer temperatures and brought under glass as the weather cools. Fruiting is best with a temp. of 16-22°C. Requires a minimum winter temp. of 10°C for fruiting but can survive to -2°C. Fast growing, should start to fruit within 2 years. Leaves have a pungent smell. Treat generally as you would a tomato plant.

Cultivation

Usually grown for its egg-shaped, tomato-like fruits but is also a wonderful foliage plant. Propagate via fresh seed or cuttings of green wood in a frame. Can grow very tall but can be pruned to 1.8M approx. Lower leaves may yellow and drop off, this is normal. Ripe fruit will often fall from the plant.