How to Plant Turkey Berry (Sundakai) Saplings
- Choose a sunny site with well-drained soil.
- For planting in the ground, dig hole wider than the root ball and loosen soil around it for more root spread.
- When gardening in containers, select a grow bag or pot sized at least 18 inches in width × 18 inches in height (1.5 ft × 1.5 ft) or larger.
- Fill with a rich potting soil, set the sapling upright, and cover the roots with soil gently.
- Water the plant thoroughly after planting it and place it in the sun to help it establish itself.
- If the stems are weak at this point, provide a slight support with a small stake “during early growth.”
Turkey Berry (Sundakai) Plant Care
Temperature
It grows well in warm temperatures of 20°C to 35°C.
Soil
Needs rich, loose, well-drained soil high in organic matter.
Water
Water moderately, but do not let the soil become soggy. Water when the surface of the soil is dry.
Sunlight
For best growth and most fruit, provide 6–8 hours of full sunlight per day.
Pruning
Prune the gummy shoots occasionally to increase branching and fruit production.
Care
Moderate care; good response to organic fertilization and sun.
Manure
Sprinkle vermicompost or cow dung manure every 20 to 30 days to enhance flowering and fruiting.
Pest Control
Treat mealybugs, caterpillars, and aphids with neem oil spray; stay away from chemicals.
Potting Mix for Turkey Berry Plant
- Ideal Mix:
- 40% red soil / garden soil
- 30% compost (FYM or vermicompost)
- 20% cocopeat
- 10% sand for drainage
- Add neem cake powder and bone meal once every 30–45 days to boost flowering and fruiting.
Uses of Turkey Berry (Sundakai)
- Extensively applied in Siddha and Ayurveda for digestion, immunity and blood purification.
- Aids in the relief of stomach worms, acidity, ulcers and indigestion.
- Good for diabetes, anemia, joint pain and inflammation.
- It aids the digestive system, liver, blood circulation, and immune system.
- Employed in dry form as a powder and as pickle; and in wet form like curry, chutney, in fried snacks and in herbal mixes.
- Decoction is also used in traditional detox drinks and soups.
- It can be consumed cooked, dried, or powdered.
- To determine the appropriate therapeutic dose, consult an Ayurvedic Practitioner.
Benefits of Turkey Berry (Sundakai)
- Enhances digestion and intestinal well-being.
- Strengthens the immunity, when sugar is in check.
- Purifies the blood and raises the hemoglobin.
- Promotes liver health and detoxification.
- A vigorous and productive herbistic for home herbal gardens.
FAQ
For what purpose is the Turkey Berry (Sundakkai) plant most commonly used?
Sundakkai is also popular in traditional cooking and home remedies as a digestive aid, blood sugar controller and immunity enhancer.
Can you grow Pea Eggplant at home?
Yes, Growing Pea Eggplant at home is a pretty simple task! Yes, it is easy to care for plant is robust, and adaptable to both pot or ground planting, and enjoys full sun exposure with occasional water.
How much sunlight does a Sundakkai need?
Yes, the plant needs full sun 6–8 hour a day for producing solid flowers and fruits.
How often to water Turkey Berry plant?
How often should I water the plant? “It is drying out, then water it—throughout the growing season and when it is fruiting you’ll need to water more.
How long does it take to get berries?
Under proper care Sundakkai will start to fruit 4 – 6 months after planting.
Can Turkey Berry be grown in pots?
Yes, for a healthy root development, opt for at least 12-16 inch pot with adequate drainage hole and fill it with rich organic soil.
Is Sundakkai a daily use vegetable?
Yes, these wild berries are widely used in South Indian curries, gravies, pickles and dried sundakkai vadagam.
Does the Turkey Berry plant need fertilizer?
Also, addition of compost, cow dung, or organic manure by once a month enhances the flowering and fruit setting.
Does the plant attract bees and pollinators?
Yes, its flowers attract pollinators naturally, leading to more berries.
Where To Buy Live Turkey Berry (Sundakkai) Plants Online?
Buy fresh, healthy Sundakkai plants online from BharathGreens and get them delivered securely to your home.
Alternate Names
Botanical Name: Solanum torvum (Also known as Turkey Berry)
Turkey berry plant in Tamil as a Sundakkai plant (சுண்டைக்காய் செடி);
Turkey berry plant in Hindi as a Bhurat / Katai plant (भुरट / कटाई पौधा);
Turkey berry plant in Malayalam as a Chundanga plant (ചുണ്ടങ്ങ ചെടി);
Turkey berry plant in Telugu as a Usthikaya Mokka (ఉస్తికాయ మొక్క);
Turkey berry plant in Kannada as a Sundekayi Gida (ಸುಂಡೆಕಾಯಿ ಗಿಡ).
Other common names:
Turkey Berry
Wild Eggplant
Pea Eggplant
Prickly Solanum
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