Solanaceae; native to Tropics.

Germination: Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before planting outside for summer use and cover the seeds with 4 times their thickness in soil. Maintain a temperature within the medium alternating between 68° F nights and 86° F days during germination which takes 14 days. Sow August 1-15 for fruiting plants for Christmas.

Growth: In spring, when danger of frost is past, plant 9-12 inches apart in full sun to part shade in regular, well-drained garden soil that is rich in humus. Pinch to improve bushiness. Keep the soil evenly moist and feed the plants moderately. Keep nitrogen levels low since high amounts will cause the plants to produce too much foliage and too little fruit. Indoors, the plants grow best with 60-65° F nights and day temperatures as high as 80-85° F. For the best fruits at Christmas, grow the plants outdoors and bring them in before frost.

Appearance and Use: Annual plants with colorful fruits, they are grown for beds, borders, baskets, houseplants, containers, greenhouse growth, or as a holiday plant. Compact, mounded plants, 9-12 inches tall and wide, are well-branched and can be fleshy or woody at the base. A favorite of birds, the fruit comes in a variety of sizes, shapes, and forms, and changes from yellow to orange to red to purple. Glossy, dark green foliage, 5 inches long and 3 inches wide, is oval-shaped. Insignificant white blooms are borne in spring.