Lulo (naranjilla) Solanum quitoense
Lulo (naranjilla) (Solanum quitoense) is an evergreen perennial fruit plant in the Solanaceae family, native to Andes of Colombia and Ecuador. It grows 1–2.5 m (3.3–8.2 ft) tall and 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and high water, and is hardy to about 5 °C (41 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.
Plan Lulo (naranjilla) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Lulo (naranjilla) at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Mature height | 1–2.5 m (3.3–8.2 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 5 °C (41 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 11) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | about 21–34 weeks after planting, for 29–47 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: fruit pulp (juice: jugo de lulo) |
| Native to | Andes of Colombia and Ecuador |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇴 Colombia, 🇵🇪 Peru |
Is Lulo (naranjilla) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: leaves, unripe fruit
Nightshade family; spiny forms exist.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Lulo (naranjilla)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and high water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Florence fennel: Fennel releases growth-inhibiting compounds from roots and foliage; lab and garden reports show poorer growth of tomato, pepper and other nearby crops, so keep it in its own corner. Evidence C
- caution With Smoke tree: Smoke tree is very susceptible to Verticillium wilt, which persists in soil after tomato, potato or aubergine crops; avoid planting it where those crops have wilted. Evidence C
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress tomatoes, peppers and many other vegetables nearby; grow it in its own corner. Evidence C
- caution With Nightshades: Nightshades share late blight, early blight, Verticillium wilt and Colorado potato beetle; mix with other families and rotate the bed. Evidence B
- avoid With Potato: Potatoes are the main source of late blight (Phytophthora infestans) that spreads to tomatoes and other nightshades within a few metres. Evidence B
- caution With Sunflower: Sunflower residues and roots release phenolic compounds that can slow nearby seedlings; transplants are less affected. Evidence C
Questions about Lulo (naranjilla)
- How far apart should I plant Lulo (naranjilla)?
- About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft).
- Does Lulo (naranjilla) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Lulo (naranjilla) need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Lulo (naranjilla)?
- It tolerates about 5 °C (41 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 11.
- When does Lulo (naranjilla) flower?
- About 21–34 weeks after planting, for 29–47 weeks.
- Is Lulo (naranjilla) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people mildly toxic. Nightshade family; spiny forms exist.
- What grows well with Lulo (naranjilla)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Lulo (naranjilla). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Catálogo de plantas y líquenes de Colombia, Instituto de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Colombia
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
Notes and assumptions
- Huge purple-veined fuzzy leaves; fruit tastes of rhubarb and lime. Grows at 1,200–2,300 m in cloud forest climates; no heat, no frost.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Tomato Solanum lycopersicum
- Cherry tomato Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme
- Potato Solanum tuberosum
- Bell pepper Capsicum annuum
- Eggplant (aubergine) Solanum melongena
- Chili pepper Capsicum annuum (hot types)
- Petunia Petunia x hybrida
- Tomatillo Physalis philadelphica