Starting Bittersweet
Answered by: Richters Staff
Question from: Debbie Twiddy
Posted: Before April 1998

Can you tell me if it is possible to start bittersweet from seed? If not, how would I go about starting it from a vine?

Bittersweet (Solanum dulcamara) is a member of the nightshade family, the same family to which the potato and tomato belong. It has a variety of internal and external uses. The red berries are astringent, bitter and sweet, hence the name. The plant can be poisonous if used incorrectly, so it is for use by qualified practitioners only.

The plant is grown from seeds. The seeds germinate in 3-10 days although sometimes a cold treatment or light is necessary to initiate germination. If germination does not occur, place the seedbox in the fridge for 1-3 months, keeping the soil damp but not soggy, and then return to room temperature.

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