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How to Grow ʻAlani

iNaturalist

ʻAlani

Solanum sandwicense

shrub

ʻAlani is a native Hawaiian shrub in the nightshade family, producing small purple flowers and red berries. It is endemic to Hawaii and grows naturally in dry to mesic forests and shrublands. This culturally significant plant has been used traditionally by Native Hawaiians for food, medicine, and other purposes.

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Example ʻAlani timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant ʻAlani

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest ʻAlani

    Around Oct 14

    ≈ 180 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact ʻAlani dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun to partial shade, 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
💧
Water: Drought-tolerant once established; moderate watering during growing season, reduce in dry season. Prefers drier conditions typical of native Hawaiian habitat
📏
Spacing: 36 inches
📅
Days to maturity: 180-240 days to flowering from establishment
🌱
Planting depth: Seeds sown at soil surface or shallow depth (0.25 inch); transplants at same depth as container

Soil

Type: Well-draining volcanic or sandy loam soil
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Volcanic rock or coarse sand for drainage Compost for organic matter Mulch to retain moisture in dry conditions

Growing Zones

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Thrives in warm tropical and subtropical zones 10b-11, native to Hawaii

10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

1

Seedling

3-4 weeks

Small green seedlings with cotyledons and first true leaves emerging

Keep soil lightly moist but not waterlogged; provide bright indirect light; thin seedlings to prevent crowding

2

Vegetative

8-12 weeks

Plant develops multiple stems and branches with oval-shaped green leaves arranged alternately

Water moderately; prune to encourage branching and bushier growth; minimal fertilizer needed

3

Flowering

4-8 weeks

Small purple star-shaped flowers appear in clusters at leaf axils and branch tips

Maintain consistent moisture; avoid over-fertilizing which reduces flowering; support plant structure if needed

4

Fruiting

6-10 weeks

Small red to orange-red berries develop where flowers were; berries are round and approximately pea-sized

Ensure adequate sun exposure for berry development and ripening; maintain moderate watering

5

Mature

Ongoing after 6-8 months

Established shrub reaches 3-6 feet tall with continuous flower and fruit production

Minimal maintenance once established; drought-tolerant; prune for shape and size management

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

ʻIeʻie (Freycinetia arborea) Naupaka (Scaevola sericea) ʻŌhiʻa lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha) Pukiawe (Leptecophylla tameiameiae)

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring consistently moist soil Heavy feeders that may deplete soil nutrients in same microhabitat

Common Pests

  • Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil if infestation is severe

  • Prune affected branches; apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap

  • Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil if population increases

Uses

🍳

Traditional Hawaiian food source

Culinary

ʻAlani berries were eaten fresh or cooked by Native Hawaiians as a food source. The berries provide nutrition and were incorporated into traditional island diet practices. [source]

💊

Native Hawaiian medicine

Medicinal

ʻAlani was used in traditional Hawaiian medicine for various remedies and healing preparations. Different plant parts were utilized for their medicinal properties in Native Hawaiian healing practices. [source]

🏠

Dye production

Household

The berries have been used to produce natural dyes, particularly red/orange colors for traditional Hawaiian textile and craft work. [source]

🦋

Native bird food

Wildlife

The berries provide food for native Hawaiian birds and other wildlife, supporting local ecosystems and biodiversity. [source]

🎨

Cultural and ceremonial significance

Craft

ʻAlani holds cultural importance in Hawaiian traditions and has been used in lei, hula practices, and ceremonial contexts. The plant represents native Hawaiian botanical knowledge and cultural heritage. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Berries are ready to harvest when fully red and slightly soft to gentle pressure. Pick ripe berries by hand throughout the fruiting season. In traditional Hawaiian use, the entire plant was harvested selectively. Seeds can be collected from ripe berries and dried for propagation.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 ʻAlani is endemic to Hawaii, meaning it is found nowhere else in the world in its native state and represents unique Hawaiian biodiversity
  • 🌱 The plant is a member of the nightshade family (Solanaceae), the same family that includes tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes
  • 🌱 Traditional Hawaiian use of ʻAlani demonstrates sophisticated ethnobotanical knowledge developed over centuries of cultivation and observation on the Hawaiian islands

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun Partial Shade True Leaves
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