SOLANUM centrale

Bush Tomato has a definite pungent tomato flavour and aroma. Whole they have a fresher more pungent flavour and aroma and are have the consistency of hard dates, with high oil content.

Much stronger and less acid than sun dried tomato with other sweeter characteristics reminiscent of caramel and tamarillo. A little salt can be added to counter any bitterness caused by its strength. These really taste great. Flavour matures on standing or prolonged cooking.

A small silvery looking shrub to 40 cm the Bush Tomato is closely related to the typical garden tomato, both being members of the Solanum family. It is a fast growing shrub that fruits prolifically.

Prefers a well-drained soil in an warm open sunny position, tolerates dry conditions once establish but produces extended fruiting if an adequate supply of water is provide. Drought resistant and moderately frost tolerant.

Please Note: Although many of the traditional Bush Food and Medicine plants are now commercially produced in various forms we recommend you re-search these before using them as any form of food or medicines. Some parts of the plant may not be edible or some may need prepared before they are safe to eat or use in any way. We do our best to describe their traditional & modern uses. It is the purchaser responsibility to ensure they are fit for their intended use.

Grow notes:

Soaking the dried fruit will soften the fruit making it easy to remove the seed. Each fruit contains approximately 15-25 seed depending on size.

Although seed can be sown most of the year in many parts of Australia seed is generally best sown in spring or autumn in temperate climates, avoid the coldest and hottest months of the year. The optimum germination temperature for germination is around 18-22°C

Seed germinates readily with Pre-treatment of smoke.

1. Remove seed from fruit.
2. Pre-treatment of smoke recommended.
3. Soak seed overnight in warm water.
4. Sow seed on a porous seed raising mix and cover lightly. Do not bury seed too deeply.
5. Place in a warm shaded or semi shaded position to avoid dying out.
6. The growing medium should be well draining but should remain damp between watering. Keep moist but not too wet as the seed may rot. Do not let the growing mix completely dry out. 
7. Germination should occur in 14-28 days depending on the temperature and conditions. 

Pre-treatment of smoke:
Smoke treatments are simple and can be undertaken either by soaking the seed overnight or by applying to the surface after sowing, both provide good results. Smoke treatments available by clicking here.

General note: Seeds of many natives are dormant and require specific conditions or pre-treatment for germination.
Do not be too hasty to discard seed that does not germinate, seeds will often lay dormant until the conditions are similar to their natural requirements for germination to occur. Containers put to one side will often surprise long after they were discarded.