Black Nightshade-Manathakkali-Live Plant

Manthakkali, or Solanum nigrum is an edible strain of Black Nightshade are used as food in Tamil Nadu. The plant is an erect, many-branched herb growing 0.5 to 1.0 m high. The plant bears thin, oval, slightly purplish leaves up to 15 cm in length, has numerous white flowers and usually purple to black, round berries about 0.75 cm in diameter containing many small, flattened, yellow seeds. The ripe berries and cooked leaves of this edible, and when the leaves are thoroughly boiled, they can be used like spinach. The ripe black berries are described as sweet and salty, with hints of liquorice and melon. It is nutritious containing high levels of Vitamin C, as well as niacin, riboflavin, calcium, phosphorus, and iron. It is also used in herbal medicine, the leaves and berries can be eaten as a treatment for ulcers.

Current listing is for 2.5" Pot Live Plant (Approx. 6-8")

Note about all plant sales: Our plants are healthy at the time of shipping and we pack with the utmost care. ALL SALES FINAL on plants! It is your responsibility to check your mail after ordering a live plant! It is natural for some branch or leaves to fall in transit. Due to strict customs regulations we cannot ship plants outside mainland USA.

Latin Name: Solanum nigrum

Planting Guidance: Black nightshade requires well-draining, moist soil, warm temperatures (60°F - 85°F), and bright, indirect light. To overwinter, prune leggy branches and repot into fresh potting mix. Bring plants indoors before the first frost, place them in your brightest window, and reduce watering and feeding to prevent dormancy issues.
Planting and Outdoor Care
Soil & Moisture: Plant in rich, slightly acidic to neutral soil and water approximately every 7 days to keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged.
Light & Temperature: Thrives in full sun to partial shade. In peak heat, partial shade prevents leaf burn and moisture loss.Fertilizer: Feed every two to four weeks during the active spring and summer growing seasons using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength.
Pruning: Pinch back branch tips and remove damaged leaves to encourage bushier, higher-yielding growth.
How to Overwinter Indoors
Because black nightshade is sensitive to cold, it must be moved indoors before the first autumn frost.
Pest Check: Inspect the foliage and soil thoroughly for pests and treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap before bringing the plant inside.Repotting: Gently dig up the plant to keep the root ball intact, or harvest a younger container-grown specimen. Plant it in a well-draining pot with fresh, high-quality potting mix.
Pruning: Trim back the plant significantly by removing most of the leafy branches. This limits the energy the plant needs to sustain itself during the darker winter months.
Placement & Lighting: Move the pot to your brightest window (south- or west-facing). Supplement with Grow Lights if natural lighting is insufficient.
Winter Care: Because growth slows drastically, reduce watering—only water when the top inch of soil is dry. Halt all fertilizing until late winter or early spring

Hindi Name: Mokoi मोकोय

Marathi Name: Laghukavali

Gujrati Name:

Kannada Name: Kaaki ಕಾಕಿ

Telugu Name: Kasaka

Tamil Name: Manatakkali மணதக்காளி

Bengali Name:

Malayalam Name: Mulaku-thakkali