Desert Raisin / Bush Tomato - Solanum centrale (Kutjera) seeds

Solanum centrale - Bush Tomato (Desert Raisin)
A hardy and fast-growing native shrub with prolific fruiting, rich in flavor and nutrition.

Quick Facts

• Height: 0.1–0.5 meters.
• Width: 0.1–0.3 meters.
• Flowers: Purple blooms from late summer to spring.
• Fruits: Small yellow fruits that dry to brown on the bush, resembling raisins.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, sandy, or sandy loam soil; tolerates poor soil conditions.
• Position: Thrives in full sun to light shade.
• Climate: Warm temperate, Mediterranean, semi-arid, and arid zones.
• Tolerance: Drought-resistant and moderately frost-tolerant.

Why Grow Solanum centrale?

Bush Tomato is an iconic Australian native plant, valued for its edible fruits, resilience in harsh conditions, and fast-growing nature. Its flavorful fruits, rich in vitamin C, and ability to regenerate from rootstock make it a practical and rewarding addition to bush food gardens and low-maintenance landscapes.

Bush Food Note

Bush Tomato fruits are a unique and nutritious bush food:

• Taste: A tangy combination of tamarillo and caramel.
• Nutritional Value: High in vitamin C.
• Uses:
  • Eaten fresh or dried as a snack.
  • Incorporated into sauces, chutneys, or relishes for a rich flavor.
  • Ground into a powder to season meats or vegetables.

Important: Only consume ripe, yellow fruits. Green or unripe fruits are toxic.

How to Grow

1. Sowing Instructions:

   • Treat seeds with smoke to enhance germination.
   • Sow in well-draining soil, lightly covering with sand or soil.

2. Position:

   • Plant in a sunny or lightly shaded location.
   • Ensure soil is well-drained and not waterlogged.

3. Care Tips:

   • Water sparingly; drought-tolerant once established.
   • Provide adequate water during fruiting to extend the harvest.
   • Prune lightly to maintain shape and remove dead growth.
   • Protect young plants from severe frost during establishment.

Uses in Your Garden

• Bush Food Garden: Produces flavorful and nutritious fruits for various culinary uses.
• Low Maintenance Planting: Thrives in poor soil with minimal water needs.
• Wildlife Habitat: Attracts pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and other insects.
• Erosion Control: Dense root systems stabilize soil in arid environments.

Germination Tips

• Timeframe: Germination occurs within 2–4 weeks.
• Pre-Treatment: Smoke treatment significantly enhances germination rates.
• Moisture: Keep soil moist during germination, but avoid waterlogging.
• Light: Position seeds in a warm, sunny spot for optimal growth.

Order Now

Grow the iconic Solanum centrale in your garden or bush food project. With its delicious fruits, resilience, and cultural significance, Bush Tomato is an essential addition to Australian native landscapes.

Order your Bush Tomato seeds today and experience the unique flavors of this versatile native plant!