Pea eggplant (turkey berry) Solanum torvum
Pea eggplant (turkey berry) (Solanum torvum) is an evergreen perennial vegetable in the Solanaceae family, native to Caribbean and Central America. It grows 1.5–2.5 m (4.9–8.2 ft) tall and 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about 5 °C (41 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.
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Pea eggplant (turkey berry) at a glance
| Type | Perennial vegetable, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Mature height | 1.5–2.5 m (4.9–8.2 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 5 °C (41 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 11) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | about 21–34 weeks after planting, for 26–52 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: green berries (cooked), young leaves (cooked) |
| Native to | Caribbean and Central America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇹🇭 Thailand |
| Invasive in | Pacific islands (incl. Hawaii), Caribbean, parts of Africa and Asia (agricultural and environmental weed): check local rules before planting |
Is Pea eggplant (turkey berry) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: foliage, ripe berries, raw green berries
Contains steroidal glycoalkaloids (solasodine, solanine-type) that can upset the stomach; berries are cooked before eating.
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 Pea eggplant (turkey berry)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low 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 Pea eggplant (turkey berry)
- How far apart should I plant Pea eggplant (turkey berry)?
- About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft).
- Does Pea eggplant (turkey berry) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Pea eggplant (turkey berry) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Pea eggplant (turkey berry)?
- It tolerates about 5 °C (41 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 11.
- When does Pea eggplant (turkey berry) flower?
- About 21–34 weeks after planting, for 26–52 weeks.
- Is Pea eggplant (turkey berry) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Contains steroidal glycoalkaloids (solasodine, solanine-type) that can upset the stomach; berries are cooked before eating.
- What grows well with Pea eggplant (turkey berry)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Pea eggplant (turkey berry). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Prickly shrub; naturalised and weedy across much of the tropics, so plant with care. Also used as a disease-resistant eggplant rootstock.
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