{"product_id":"red-pumpkin-on-a-stick-seeds-solanum-integrifolium-ornamental-scarlet-eggplant","title":"Red Pumpkin on a Stick Seeds (Solanum integrifolium) – Ornamental Scarlet Eggplant","description":"\u003cp\u003eSolanum integrifolium, popularly called pumpkin on a stick or scarlet eggplant, is an eye-catching ornamental plant that produces clusters of small, ribbed fruits shaped like miniature pumpkins. The fruits start green and ripen to a glossy red-orange, held along sturdy stems above large leaves and white flowers. Grown mainly for decoration, the fruiting stems are prized for autumn displays, harvest arrangements and dried floral decor, and the plants make a striking feature in garden beds, borders and large containers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease note:\u003c\/strong\u003e this is primarily an ornamental plant; the ripe fruits are very bitter and are not usually eaten. The stems and leaves can be prickly, so wear gloves when handling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAt a Glance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrown for:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ornamental fruits\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFruit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mini pumpkin-shaped, ripening from green to red-orange\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowers:\u003c\/strong\u003e White\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tender perennial, usually grown as an annual\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth habit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Upright, shrubby\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3–5 ft (90–150 cm)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24–36 in (60–90 cm)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSowing depth:\u003c\/strong\u003e ¼ in (0.5 cm)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun, 6–8 hours daily\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eContainer friendly:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes, in large containers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per packet:\u003c\/strong\u003e 100\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to Sow\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStart seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost. Sow ¼ inch deep in a moist seed-starting mix and keep warm, around 75–85°F (24–29°C); seedlings usually appear in 1–2 weeks. Transplant outdoors or into large containers when seedlings are 3–4 inches tall and night temperatures stay above 55°F (13°C). In warm climates, seeds can be sown directly outdoors once the soil has warmed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to Grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and feed with a balanced fertiliser during the growing season. Mulch to retain moisture and reduce weeds, and stake taller plants to keep them upright under the weight of the fruit. Rotate planting sites each year and use organic pest controls if needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHarvest and Drying\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCut whole stems once the fruits have turned red-orange. For long-lasting arrangements, strip off the leaves and hang the stems upside down in a warm, dry, well-ventilated place until the fruits are dry.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"OrganicSeedsHub","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45697490419895,"sku":"SPA-DEC8-354","price":16.49,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0710\/3335\/6471\/files\/Red_pumpkin_plants_bearing_fruit_20260930154238.jpg?v=1790763185","url":"https:\/\/organicseedshub.com\/products\/red-pumpkin-on-a-stick-seeds-solanum-integrifolium-ornamental-scarlet-eggplant","provider":"OrganicSeedsHub","version":"1.0","type":"link"}