Organic Wonderberry Seeds (Solanum retroflexum)

Organic Wonderberry

Many people claimed that Burbank had only reintroduced Solanum nigrum, also known as the common garden huckleberry as a new plant. There is more to the story of this tiny berry!

In 1909 Luther Burbank introduced the Sunberry, a cross of two varieties of common nightshade, neither of them poisonous but neither of them very good to eat. The new berry tasted better than either of its parents, especially when cooked. John Lewis Childs, a prominent customer of Luther Burbanks plant projects bought the rights for about $300, bred great quantities of the berry and renamed it Wonderberry. He began a large advertising campaign built around Luther Burbank’s name.

Immediately in response to this campaign, critics started a campaign to discredit the Wonderberry. It was said the new berry was nothing more than black nightshade, a common nonpoisonous garden weed. This does not seem to be true; it is thought that John Lewis Child’s stock may have been contaminated in the field. None the less, a large attack to discredit Burbank was on. At the 1909 Boston Flower Show the Wonderberry was judged a failure.

The small, dark berry that created so much controversy is still grown today under the original name that Burbank preferred the Sunberry. Moving far beyond jams and jellies this little berry is grown by restaurant chefs and used as a garnish for summer cocktails and as chutney to accompany fois gras.

Easy to grow, they produce small, sweet, blue berries - wonderful raw or cooked in pies, preserves. Makes great wines combined with sugars and acid blends.
 

How to Grow

Seeds are surface-sown or covered only slightly, do not allow the soil to dry out. Containers should be held in warm conditions until sprouts appear. These seeds are very slow to germinate, usually taking from 30 to 40 days. Move sprouting plantings immediately to bright light conditions, such as a south-facing window. Support with cane or wires if the plant grows very large.