The porcupine tomato is Solanum pyracanthos, a spiny ornamental shrub native to Madagascar—not an edible tomato crop. Its bright orange spines, grey-green leaves, purple summer flowers and small tomato-like fruits make it distinctive, but the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) labels the fruit inedible. For UK growers, it needs full sun, well-drained soil and protection from frost.
What is a porcupine tomato?
Solanum pyracanthos is a member of the nightshade family, Solanaceae. Kew Plants of the World Online accepts this botanical name and lists Madagascar as its native range, with introductions recorded in Algeria and Germany. The RHS profile uses the spelling Solanum pyracanthon, but S. pyracanthos is the accepted name listed by Kew.
Despite its common name, this is grown as an ornamental shrub rather than as a food-producing tomato. Its visual appeal comes from the contrast between its prickles, foliage, flowers and fruit. The Natural History Museum’s 2024 overview of prickles discusses prickles generally and notes the plant’s Madagascar origin; it is not a growing guide or evidence about the fruit’s safety.
What does the plant look like?
The RHS describes porcupine tomato as a tender evergreen shrub that reaches about 1.2 m. Its lobed, grey-green leaves have bright orange spines along the midrib, and the fuzzy stems are spiny too. In summer, small clusters of star-shaped purple flowers are followed by cherry tomato-like fruits. The RHS calls those fruits inedible.
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The RHS profile gives a mature height of 1–1.5 m and a spread of 0.5–1 m. These are profile dimensions, while its separate description gives an approximate height of 1.2 m.
How do you grow porcupine tomato?
The RHS recommends full sun and moist but well-drained soil. Its hardiness rating is H2 in the UK system: plants can tolerate low temperatures, but do not survive freezing conditions, with the rating defined as 1–5°C. This is UK-specific guidance, not a universal climate-zone rating.
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- Keep moist, not letting the seeds dry out between watering. **SOIL Temperature for Germination: 70-75F. Planting Depth: 1/4". Sprout tomato seeds in small containers, preferably 4" or smaller. In-ground germination is not recommended. Use a standard potting mix that is well drained.
- Start seeds in containers approximately 8 weeks prior to the planned set-out date. Plants should ultimately be transplanted to the garden 1-2 weeks after the expected date of last frost. Soil should be kept consistently warm, from 70-85F. Cool soils, below about 60-65F, even just at night, will significantly delay or inhibit germination. Additionally, overly warm soils, well above 90F, can inhibit germination and provide ideal conditions for seed rot.
- Over watering can cause fungal growth which leads to seed rot. Excess water can also bury seeds deep in the soil where they will not be able break the surface. Water when the soil surface just begins to dry.
- Multiple seeds can be planted in a single starter container, but should be thinned once seedlings appear so only a single plant remains. Seeds do not require light for germination but some light source should be provided for seedlings once they emerge from the soil.
Growing outdoors
In the RHS’s UK guidance, plant outdoors after the last frosts in a sheltered position. Choose a sunny spot where the soil drains well, and protect the plant from freezing temperatures.
Growing under glass
For glasshouse growing, the RHS recommends a pot filled with peat-free, loam-based compost and a position in full light. During active growth, water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every two weeks.
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Overwintering and propagation
The RHS says the plant can be overwintered in a frost-free greenhouse or raised annually from seed. Seed is its listed propagation method. Annual growing is a practical option where a frost-free winter space is unavailable.
Is porcupine tomato safe to handle or eat?
Do not eat the fruit: the RHS explicitly labels it inedible, and the plant should be treated as ornamental. The sources cited here do not establish a specific toxic compound, safe exposure level or effect of ingestion, so stronger claims about its toxicity are not supported by this information.
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- Keep moist, not letting the seeds dry out between watering. **SOIL Temperature for Germination: 70-75F. Planting Depth: 1/4". Sprout tomato seeds in small containers, preferably 4" or smaller. In-ground germination is not recommended. Use a standard potting mix that is well drained.
- Start seeds in containers approximately 8 weeks prior to the planned set-out date. Plants should ultimately be transplanted to the garden 1-2 weeks after the expected date of last frost. Soil should be kept consistently warm, from 70-85F. Cool soils, below about 60-65F, even just at night, will significantly delay or inhibit germination. Additionally, overly warm soils, well above 90F, can inhibit germination and provide ideal conditions for seed rot.
- Over watering can cause fungal growth which leads to seed rot. Excess water can also bury seeds deep in the soil where they will not be able break the surface. Water when the soil surface just begins to dry.
- Multiple seeds can be planted in a single starter container, but should be thinned once seedlings appear so only a single plant remains. Seeds do not require light for germination but some light source should be provided for seedlings once they emerge from the soil.
The RHS describes the spines as sharp. Take care when planting, pruning or moving the shrub, and keep that in mind when choosing a location accessible to children or pets. The available sources do not quantify the risk of injury.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What problems can affect it?
The RHS lists possible susceptibility to glasshouse red spider mite and, rarely, honey fungus. These are potential problems rather than inevitable ones. Check plants periodically, particularly when growing them under glass.
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Sources
- Kew Plants of the World Online: Solanum pyracanthos
- Royal Horticultural Society: Solanum pyracanthon profile and growing guidance
- Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
- Natural History Museum: prickles and plant adaptations (2024)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
