Growing in the bed
Pre-cultivate in pots on the windowsill from mid-February or sow outdoors from mid-May (sowing depth 1–2 cm). A temperature of 25°C is optimal for germination.
If pre-cultivation is required, transplant seedlings into larger pots after 2–3 weeks. Transplanting the plants into larger pots once more will accelerate their growth.
Plant out from mid/late May, pre-fertilizing the soil with compost. Plant 60 cm apart. Train the plants on stakes/strings to form multiple shoots, pinching off shoot tips.
Thinning like with tomatoes isn't absolutely necessary. Water regularly. Change location every 3–4 years; don't plant after tomatoes.
In the greenhouse
In our experience, Andean berries can be grown in a greenhouse similar to tomatoes, and they grow well there, but they usually develop more leaf mass than fruit. Furthermore, the fruits taste significantly less aromatic – hence our conclusion: greenhouse cultivation for Andean berries isn't really worth it!
In planters
Plant pre-grown plants in pots from mid-May onwards or sow directly into containers (sowing depth 1–2 cm). Containers should have a volume of 15–20 liters; for typical balcony varieties (e.g., 'Biscuit'), 10 liters is sufficient. Use tomato soil from a specialist retailer.
Place in a sunny, sheltered spot. Attach string or stakes, train plants to form multiple shoots, water regularly, and fertilize with a standard tomato fertilizer approximately 6–8 weeks after planting.
If there are still a lot of unripe fruits on the plants when frost begins, bring the pots into the house and let the fruits ripen there.
It is time to harvest!
Andean berries are ripe for harvesting from mid-July to October. They then change color from yellow to orange; the parchment-like bracts turn brown and dry out. Harvest berries with bracts; eat them raw or as jam; do not eat green berries!
Variety recommendations
- 'Biscuit': compact growth, good for pots/tubs, high yielding, aromatic, early harvest (mid-June)
- 'Peters Beste': broad and bushy growing, high yielding, very sweet
- 'Schönbrunner Gold': large-fruited, very aromatic
- 'Little Lanterns': compact growth, good for pots/tubs, high yield
- 'Little Buddha': vigorous, productive, very large fruit, pleasant sweet and sour aroma
Tips & Tricks about the Andean Berry
Andean berries can also be overwintered: frost-free at 5–10 °C, cool, and bright. Prune heavily beforehand, leaving only the main stems. Water only very sparingly.
If overwintering is successful, the harvest the following year can be larger. Overwintering in a heated living space is not advisable. Incidentally, Andean berries are actually considered vegetables.
