The sunberry is a truly unique garden plant, prized for its abundant production of small, glossy black berries clustered in decorative bunches. With a sweet and tart flavor that intensifies with maturity, the fruits can be eaten raw, cooked, or made into jams and desserts. The plants are compact and upright, making them suitable for small gardens, containers, or borders.

Where can sunberry be grown?

Sunberry grows well in zones 4 to 9 and prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Easy to grow, this annual adapts to most garden conditions and is suitable for gardeners looking for an original and productive crop.

History and traditional uses

Sometimes called “wonderberry,” sunberry was introduced in the early 1900s and has maintained a niche popularity among lovers of rare or forgotten fruits. Close to other plants in the nightshade family, its sweet and tart taste makes it particularly popular for pies, jams, and sauces.

Information by zone in Canada

Zones 8–9: Direct sow after the last frost or indoor sow for a head start.
Zones 5–7: Sow indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost, then transplant when the soil has warmed up.
Zone 4: Indoor sowing recommended and cultivation in a protected and sunny area for best yields.

How to grow and harvest sunberry

Planting: Sow seeds 6 mm (¼ in) deep in well-drained soil; space plants 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in) apart.
Watering: Water regularly during fruit formation; avoid overwatering.
Harvesting: Pick berries when they are completely black and slightly soft; immature fruits are not sweet.
Care: Mulch to retain moisture and control weeds; protect plants from heavy rains during fruiting.

Seed saving tips for future supply

Fruit selection: Choose perfectly ripe berries for seed extraction.
Extraction: Crush fruits and rinse to separate seeds from pulp.
Drying and storage: Spread seeds to air dry completely.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Seeds remain viable for 4 to 5 years.

Certified organic by
Islands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)