Wonderberry Fruit Seeds

Wonderberry, also known as Solanum retroflexum or “sunberry,” is a small, annual fruit-bearing plant native to South America. The plant is part of the Solanaceae family, which includes tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants.

This historic heirloom features small, blue-purple berries that are delicious both fresh and cooked. These compact plants yield abundantly in around 75 days and are easy to cultivate.

These 3-foot-tall plants produce numerous clusters of dark, quarter-inch berries, with each cluster containing 8 to 12 fruits. The berries have a distinctive, huckleberry-like flavour, making them ideal for use in desserts, jellies, and syrups. They have a mildly sweet flavour with a slightly tangy aftertaste. I like eating these fresh right off the bush in the garden!

It’s crucial to consume only the fully ripe, dark berries, as the green, unripe fruits are likely toxic.

Wonderberry, also known as Sunberry, was initially classified as Solanum burbankii but is now recognized as Solanum retroflexum. This fruit was developed over 100 years ago by the famed American plant breeder Luther Burbank, who crossed Solanum guinense from West Central Africa with Solanum villosum from Chile. Although it closely resembles the garden huckleberry (Solanum melanocerasum), Wonderberry is a distinct species. Many black berries in the Solanum genus are commonly referred to as “black nightshade,” but it’s important not to confuse them with “deadly nightshade” (Atropa belladonna), which belongs to an entirely different genus.

Wonderberries should be cultivated similarly to tomatoes, though they are more challenging to germinate as their tiny seeds require consistent moisture for a longer period. The plants readily self-sow and should be started indoors 6-8 weeks before being transplanted outside after the last frost. Space the plants 30 inches apart for optimal growth.

25 seeds per package.

Wonderberry seeds are small, round, and brownish-yellow in colour. They are similar in size to tomato seeds. The seeds typically take 7-14 days to germinate under optimal conditions. They require warmth and moisture, so it’s best to start them indoors before the last frost, then transplant them outside when the weather warms up. They thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with a neutral pH. The plants prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade.

Sow the seeds on the surface of the soil and lightly cover them with a thin layer of soil or vermiculite. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. When transplanting, space the plants about 12-18 inches apart to allow for adequate growth.
Watering: Regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods, but be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.

Wonderberry plants are generally hardy but can be susceptible to common garden pests like aphids and spider mites. They may also be prone to fungal diseases, especially if overwatered. I have some aphids in my garden on some kale plants, and they have not come to the 5 Wonderberry plants I have nearby.

Wonderberries can be used in a variety of culinary applications, especially in making preserves, sauces, and baked goods. They are not as commonly known as other berries, but they are valued for their unique flavour and versatility in cooking.

Nutritional Benefits
Antioxidants: Wonderberries are rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which give the berries their dark colour. These antioxidants are beneficial for overall health, helping to combat oxidative stress in the body.

Vitamins and Minerals: They are a good source of vitamins C and A, as well as minerals like potassium and calcium. Eating them fresh allows you to enjoy these nutrients at their peak.

Wonderberry Compote
Ingredients:

2 cups fresh wonderberries
1/4 cup sugar or honey
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions:

In a small saucepan, combine the wonderberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries start to break down and the mixture thickens (about 10-15 minutes).
Stir in the vanilla extract if using.
Remove from heat and let it cool.
Serve the compote over pancakes, yogurt, or ice cream.

Wonderberries are mainly used in culinary applications, particularly for sweet dishes:

Pies and Desserts: Their flavor enhances when cooked with sugar, making them excellent for pies, jams, and jellies.
Juices and Syrups: Can be juiced or boiled down into syrups for use in beverages or as a sauce.
Baking: Often used in muffins and pancakes.
Unique Recipes with Wonderberry

Wonderberry Jam:

Ingredients: 4 cups wonderberries, 3 cups sugar, ¼ cup lemon juice.
Directions: Crush wonderberries in a saucepan, add sugar and lemon juice. Bring to a boil and simmer until thickened. Cool and store in sterilized jars.

Wonderberry Pie:

Ingredients: Pie crust, 2 cups wonderberries, 1 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, a dash of lemon juice.
Directions: Mix wonderberries with sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Pour into pie crust, add top crust. Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes until crust is golden.

Wonderberry Muffins:

Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ cup milk, ¼ cup melted butter, 1 cup wonderberries.
Directions: Combine dry ingredients. Mix in milk and butter until just combined, fold in wonderberries. Spoon into muffin tins and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.

Some source claim the leaves are also edible.

What is the difference between the wonderberry and garden huckleberry?
The wonderberry and garden huckleberry are often confused with each other due to their similar names and characteristics. However, they are distinct entities with some notable differences:

Origin: Wonderberry is a hybridized variant of garden huckleberry, created by Luther Burbank by crossing Solanum guineense with S. villosum. Garden huckleberry, on the other hand, is a plant species native to Africa.
Flavour: Wonderberries are known for their superior flavour compared to most garden huckleberries, although some sweet varieties of garden huckleberry can be worthwhile for home growers.

Appearance: Wonderberries and garden huckleberries are difficult to distinguish visually, but wonderberries are often described as having a more compact growth habit, typically reaching 12-24 inches in height.
Growing conditions: Both wonderberries and garden huckleberries are relatively low-maintenance plants, but wonderberries are more adaptable to different environments and can thrive in a variety of conditions.
Availability: Wonderberries are less commonly found in nurseries and seed catalogs, while garden huckleberries are more widely available.

These heirloom berry seeds are cultivated and shipped by Garden Faerie Botanicals. Organically grown in British Columbia, Canada, they are open-pollinated and ideal for seed saving while supporting food security.