How to Grow Latar
Latar
Solanum lasiocarpum
vegetableLatar is a tropical solanaceous plant native to Southeast Asia, producing small, round fruits similar to cherry tomatoes with a distinctive hairy or fuzzy appearance. The plant grows as a bushy annual or short-lived perennial, bearing clusters of yellow or orange fruits with a tart, slightly sweet flavor. It is commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly in Thailand and Laos, where it features in curries, soups, and fresh preparations.
When should you plant Latar in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Latar timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Latar
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Latar
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Latar dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in tropical and subtropical zones 10-12; can be grown as an annual in warmer regions
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Get my Latar timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksSmall plants with 2-4 true leaves, delicate stems and initial leaf formation
Keep soil warm (70-80°F), maintain high humidity, provide bright indirect light, avoid overwatering which causes damping-off
Vegetative
3-4 weeksPlants develop bushy structure with multiple branches, leaves become larger and more numerous, no flowers yet
Pinch growing tips to encourage bushiness, maintain consistent moisture, apply light fertilizer every 2-3 weeks, ensure adequate light
Flowering
2-3 weeksSmall yellow flowers appear in clusters at branch terminals, flowers are delicate and short-lived
Continue regular watering and feeding, ensure adequate sunlight for fruit set, provide support structures if needed, watch for pest activity
Fruiting
3-4 weeksGreen fruits develop and gradually enlarge, becoming yellow or orange as they mature, distinctive hairy texture becomes apparent
Maintain consistent watering during fruit development, apply potassium-rich fertilizer, remove any diseased or damaged fruits, provide support for heavy branches
Harvest
Ongoing, 4-8 weeks or until frostFruits reach full size and color, fully mature fruits are firm and aromatic, plant continues producing new flowers
Harvest ripe fruits regularly to encourage continued production, handle gently due to hairy skin, store at room temperature or refrigerate
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Yellow sticky traps, insecticidal soap, neem oil spray, encourage natural predators like ladybugs
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Spray with water to dislodge, use miticides, increase humidity, apply neem oil
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Insecticidal soap, neem oil, strong water spray, reflective mulches, encourage beneficial insects
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Neem oil, insecticidal soap, manual removal, systemic insecticides if severe
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Remove fallen fruits promptly, use fruit fly traps, improve air circulation
Uses
Curry and soup ingredient
CulinaryLatar fruits are a traditional ingredient in Southeast Asian curries, soups, and stews, particularly in Thai and Lao cuisine. The fruits add a distinctive tart-sweet flavor and are often cooked whole or halved in dishes like khang som (sour curry). [source]
Fresh eating and salads
CulinaryThe ripe fruits can be eaten fresh, used in salads, or served as a fresh appetizer with dipping sauces. They offer a unique flavor profile between cherry tomatoes and tamarind. [source]
Traditional medicine
MedicinalIn traditional Southeast Asian medicine, latar fruits and leaves are used to treat inflammation, digestive issues, and various ailments. The plant contains alkaloids and phytochemicals with potential anti-inflammatory properties. [source]
Natural produce dye
HouseholdThe fruits can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, producing yellow to orange hues depending on processing methods. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeThe delicate flowers attract bees and other pollinators, making latar plants beneficial additions to gardens focused on supporting pollinator populations. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest fruits when they reach full color (yellow to orange) and are slightly soft to gentle pressure, typically 80-100 days after planting. Pick regularly to encourage continued production. Fruits can be harvested at slightly immature stage if needed, though they will have better flavor when fully ripe. Store harvested fruits at room temperature for 3-5 days or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Latar fruits are also known as 'hairy nightshade' or 'fuzzy melon' due to their distinctive hairy skin texture, which is unusual among cultivated Solanum species.
- 🌱 The plant is particularly valued in Lao and Thai cuisine and is considered a delicacy in markets throughout Southeast Asia, where it commands premium prices.
- 🌱 Latar can be grown as a perennial in tropical climates, with mature plants sometimes producing fruit for several years if well-maintained.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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