Njama Njama Landrace Nightshade Greens (Garden Huckleberry)

Solanum scabrum 

Approximately 70 seeds in each packet.

Germination: 68% Oct 2024 Packed for 2025

Origins and History

Solanum scabrum, often called Njama Njama in Cameroon, is an African nightshade that has been cultivated for centuries as both a leafy vegetable and a source of natural dye. Indigenous to Africa, particularly West and Central Africa, it is part of a large group of African nightshades with deep cultural, nutritional, and medicinal significance. Njama Njama is especially associated with Cameroonian cuisine and farming traditions, where it is a staple leafy green. As a landrace, it has been maintained by generations of farmers who selected for taste, vigor, and adaptability, preserving its heirloom status. Its cultivation spread across tropical regions and into parts of Europe, where it was historically used as a dye plant.

Appearance and Characteristics

Njama Njama is a vigorous, bushy annual or short-lived perennial, often reaching 2–4 feet in height. The plant has broad, dark green leaves that are slightly glossy and tender when young. Small, star-shaped white or purple flowers give way to clusters of shiny, black berries. While the berries are sometimes used for dye, the leaves are the primary edible part. Its resilience, adaptability, and tolerance of marginal soils make it well-suited to smallholder farms and diverse garden settings.

Culinary Uses

Njama Njama is a culinary cornerstone in Cameroon and other parts of Africa, where the tender leaves are harvested frequently and cooked down into savory dishes. The greens are typically sautéed with tomatoes, onions, and spices, and often paired with fufu, yams, or plantains. The flavor is mild yet earthy, similar to spinach with a slightly bitter undertone, which mellows after cooking. Nutritionally, it is rich in vitamins A and C, iron, calcium, and dietary fiber, making it both a staple food and a vital source of micronutrients. Beyond Africa, it is gaining recognition in diaspora communities and among chefs seeking authentic African heirloom ingredients.

Growing Tips

Njama Njama thrives in warm, humid climates and performs best in USDA Zones 9–12, though it can be grown as a summer annual in cooler climates. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained, moderately fertile soils. Seeds should be sown ¼ inch (0.5 cm) deep, either directly in the garden after frost or started indoors for transplanting. Germination occurs in 10–14 days with warmth. Plants benefit from consistent watering, mulching to retain soil moisture, and regular pinching or harvesting to encourage bushy growth. Though fairly hardy, it can benefit from organic matter in the soil and protection from flea beetles and aphids, which are common pests.

Harvesting Guidance

Leaves can be harvested continuously once the plants are well-established, typically 6–8 weeks after sowing. Harvesting is best done by pinching off tender tips and young leaves, which encourages regrowth and prolongs the harvest season. In traditional practice, Njama Njama is picked several times a week, ensuring a steady supply of tender greens. Entire plants may be cut back toward the end of the season, but staggered harvesting provides the highest yields. When managed well, the crop can provide abundant greens over many months, making it highly valued for both home gardens and small-scale markets.