Black Nightshade (Solanum nigrum)

How much light does a Black Nightshade need?

Black nightshade, Solanum nigrum, prefers full sun outdoors. The listing describes it as intolerant of shade. Full sun is the only light level recorded for this species.

Choose an open site where the plant gets sun, not a shaded corner. Light needs for growing indoors are not documented here.

• Light: Full sun¹

Best soil for a Black Nightshade

Black nightshade is listed for soil that is well drained and moist. Good drainage is one listed condition, and moist soil is the other. Choose a planting spot that offers both conditions.

No soil pH range is documented for this page, so none is given here. Soil is described in two words only, so no amendments are named. Drainage and moisture are the only soil traits recorded for black nightshade, Solanum nigrum.

• Soil drainage: Well drained and moist^1,1

Hardiness and temperature

Hardiness zones 10a to 11b are listed for black nightshade. The minimum temperature it tolerates is about 30 °F (-1 °C).

Use the zone range and the minimum temperature together when you judge whether your climate suits it. If your winters drop below 30 °F (-1 °C), the listing does not describe the plant as tolerating that cold. Humidity needs are not documented for this plant.

• Hardiness: Zones 10a–11b¹
• Minimum temperature: 30.2 °F (-1 °C)¹

How to plant a Black Nightshade

Plant black nightshade in USDA zones 10a to 11b. Mature plants reach 1 to 4.5 ft (0.3–1.37 m) tall. They spread 0.3 to 3 ft (0.1–0.91 m) wide. Use the width range to space plants.

It prefers a full sun site. The native status record lists it as introduced in Alaska, Hawaii and the lower 48 states. Planting dates and spacing distances are not documented.

• Hardiness: Zones 10a–11b¹

Winter care

Winter care is a question of staying above 30 °F (-1 °C), the lowest temperature listed as tolerated. The hardiness range runs from zone 10a to zone 11b.

If your area is colder than zone 10a, the listed range does not cover your garden. No frost protection method, mulch or cover is documented for this plant. Dormancy and overwintering behavior are not documented.

• Hardiness: Zones 10a–11b¹
• Minimum temperature: 30.2 °F (-1 °C)¹

How to propagate a Black Nightshade

Black nightshade is propagated by seed. Seed is the only propagation method listed for this species. Plan to start new plants from seed rather than any other method.

Cuttings, division and grafting are not documented for it. Seed timing, depth and germination conditions are also not documented. Without those details, this page gives no sowing instructions.

• Propagation: Seed¹

Common problems

Recorded pests include Bemisia tabaci, Tetranychus evansi, Frankliniella australis, Liriomyza sativae, Epitrix tuberis, Aculops lycopersici and Phthorimaea absoluta. Recorded diseases include Ralstonia solanacearum, Verticillium dahliae, Clavibacter michiganensis, Synchytrium endobioticum and Puccinia pittieriana.

No treatment or prevention method is documented for any of these.

• Common pests: bemisia tabaci, tetranychus evansi, frankliniella australis, liriomyza sativae, epitrix tuberis, aculops lycopersici and phthorimaea absoluta^{2,2,2,2,2,2,2}
• Common diseases: ralstonia solanacearum, verticillium dahliae, clavibacter michiganensis, synchytrium endobioticum and puccinia pittieriana^2,2,2,2,2

Questions and answers

Is black nightshade toxic to cats and dogs?

The ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats. The ASPCA also lists it as toxic to dogs. Keep both animals away from the plant.

How much sun does black nightshade need?

It prefers full sun outdoors. It is intolerant of shade. Full sun is the only light level listed for this species. Choose an open site rather than a shaded corner.

Is black nightshade native to the United States?

The native status record lists it as introduced in Alaska, Hawaii and the lower 48 states. Its listed hardiness zones are 10a to 11b.