Lulo, Naranjilla (Solanum quitoense)
Naranjilla, also known as Lulo, Naranjita, or Lulum in it's native Central and South America, is a unique fruiting shrub. Naranjilla produces a small, round, orange fruit that has a flavor combo of pineapple, rhubarb and lime. It is sold in fresh produce markets in it's native areas, where it is used to make a popular juice.
The thick woody stems and soft heart-shaped foliage of the Naranjilla are coated with bright purple hairs when the plant is young and long spines when it is mature.
Although Naranjilla is a subtropical perennial, it is able to survive a short frost. Naranjilla is also great for container gardener. Growing in a container allows you to move the plant indoors during the winter.
Plant Type:
Perennial Fruiting Shrub
Harvest Season:
Intermittently year-round
Cocona fruit 7 months from seed
and Lulo harvest peaks in winter
Mature Size:
8 ft. plush purple-veined leaves up to 2 ft. long and 18 in. across
Soil & Moisture:
Rich but well draining soil, high moisture.
Light Requirements:
Full Sun, Part Shade
Self-Fertile:
Yes
Growth Rate:
Medium
Zone Hardiness:
Outdoors 9b-12 with frost protection; Patio/Greenhouse 4+
Propagation:
Our Cocona and Lulo are grown from seed and are capable of harvest within growing season.
