Description
25 Seeds per pack
(Solanum melanocerasum) 75-80 days Originating in Africa, the Garden Huckleberry grows to 3 feet tall and resembles a pepper plant. Each plant bears hundreds of 1/2 in – 3/4 in, dark purple, almost black, berries all Summer long. Not recommended to eat raw, but they make wonderful jams, jellies, syrups, preserves, and pies. Can be canned or frozen for use all year round. The fruit is harvested when it turns from glossy to dull. Very easy to grow! Good soil is best. Garden Huckleberry Pie recipe included in every seed packet!
Garden Huckleberry Pie
4 c. Garden Huckleberry, 2 Tbsp. granulated tapioca, 1 c. sugar, 1/8 tsp. salt, 1 Tbsp. lemon juice, 1 Tbsp. butter. Hull & wash berries. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add berries & 1 tsp. baking soda. Boil 1 min., drain off water. This will remove bitterness. Mix tapioca, sugar, and salt together and sprinkle over berries. Add lemon juice. Line a 9” pie plate with pie pastry. Pour in berry mixture. Dot with butter. Cover with top crust. Bake at 450°F for 10 min., reduce heat to 350°F and bake for 45 more min.
Planting Instructions for Organic Garden Huckleberry Seeds
Heirloom / Open Pollinated Garden Huckleberry tolerate a wide variety of climates and conditions, but do not tolerate frost. Can direct sow or start garden huckleberries indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost, transplanting outdoors after danger of frost. Sow seeds ¼” deep. Plant or set out garden huckleberries in full sun, or with afternoon shade in hot climates. Germination occurs in 5-15 days in soil 65-90°F. Thin plants to or set out plants 10-12″ apart, in rows 2′ apart. Garden Huckleberries are self supporting, but do sprawl, so caging or trellising is recommended where space is limited. Harvest in mid- to late August, after the berries have been black for two to three weeks and turn from glossy to dull.
FAQ:
What is the origin and growth habit of the Garden Huckleberry?
The Garden Huckleberry (Solanum melanocerasum) originates from Africa and grows up to 3 feet tall, resembling a pepper plant. Each plant produces hundreds of dark purple to almost black berries throughout the summer.
Can Garden Huckleberries be eaten raw?
No, it is not recommended to eat Garden Huckleberries raw due to their natural bitterness. However, when fully ripe and cooked, they are excellent for making jams, jellies, syrups, preserves, and pies.
When is the best time to harvest Garden Huckleberries?
Harvest the berries when they turn from glossy to a dull finish, indicating full ripeness. This typically occurs in mid- to late August, after the berries have been black for two to three weeks.
How should Garden Huckleberries be prepared for consumption?
After harvesting, hull and wash the berries. Boil them in water with a teaspoon of baking soda for one minute, then drain. This process removes bitterness, making the berries suitable for various recipes.
Is there a recipe available for using Garden Huckleberries?
Yes, each seed packet from St. Clare Heirloom Seeds includes a recipe for Garden Huckleberry Pie, providing a delicious way to enjoy your harvest.
Jeanne A. (verified owner) –
Looking forward to planting these soon!
Barbara Semenak (verified owner) –
They never sprouted
Mark M. (verified owner) –
Fast delivery, resealable plastic bags for the seeds, quick germination and almost 100% success rate. I’ll be spreading the word for sure!