How to Grow Nāpau

Nāpau

Solanum sandwicense

fruit

Nāpau is a rare native Hawaiian species of Solanum (nightshade family) that produces small, round, yellow or orange berries. This sprawling shrub is endemic to Hawaii and historically was used by Native Hawaiians as a food source and for medicinal purposes. Today it remains relatively obscure outside of Hawaii and ethnobotanical circles.

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

Plant Nāpau
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Nāpau
Around Aug 15

≈ 120 days after planting

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

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun to partial shade, 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

💧

Water: Moderate watering; allow soil to dry between waterings. Once established, relatively drought-tolerant. Reduce watering during winter months.

📏

Spacing: 36-48 inches

📅

Days to maturity: 120-180 days

🌱

Planting depth: 0.25-0.5 inches for seeds; transplants at same depth as root ball

Soil

Type: Well-draining volcanic or sandy loam soil

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Volcanic cinder or pumice compost aged manure

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in USDA zones 10b-11 (tropical and warm subtropical Hawaiian climates)

10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

Seedling

3-4 weeks

Small delicate plants with 2-4 true leaves emerging; light green coloration

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright, indirect light. Protect from strong wind.

Vegetative Growth

6-8 weeks

Rapid branching and leaf expansion; plant becomes bushy and sprawling with increasing stem diameter

Water regularly, allow light drying between waterings. Provide full sun. Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushier growth. Fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer.

Flowering

4-6 weeks

Small, delicate white or pale yellow flowers appear in clusters along stems; typically star-shaped like other Solanum species

Maintain consistent moisture during flowering. Do not over-fertilize with nitrogen (promotes leaf at expense of flowers). Ensure adequate sunlight for pollination.

Fruiting

6-8 weeks

Small round berries develop from flower sites, gradually changing from green to yellow or orange as they mature

Water moderately and consistently. Avoid excessive nitrogen. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues. Thin crowded fruit if desired for larger berries.

Harvest & Mature

ongoing

Ripe berries are fully yellow or orange and soft to touch; plant continues producing over extended season

Harvest ripe fruit regularly to encourage continued production. Prune back leggy stems. Reduce watering slightly if in dry season.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

ti (Cordyline fruticosa) ʻōhi'a lehua native Hawaiian ground covers sweet potato (ʻuala)

Avoid planting near:

other Solanum species (potential pest/disease sharing) aggressive weeds that compete for nutrients

Common Pests

Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or miticide if severe. Ensure adequate humidity.
Yellow sticky traps; insecticidal soap; neem oil spray. Encourage natural predators.
Remove by hand or cotton swab with rubbing alcohol. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Prune heavily infested branches; spray with horticultural oil or neem oil.

Uses

🍳

Traditional Hawaiian fruit

Culinary

Nāpau berries were traditionally eaten fresh by Native Hawaiians and incorporated into local cuisine. The small berries can be eaten raw, cooked into preserves, or used in traditional Hawaiian dishes. [source]

💊

Traditional healing plant

Medicinal

Hawaiian cultural practitioners have used Solanum sandwicense preparations for various remedies, including for treating skin conditions and digestive issues, though scientific studies are limited. [source]

🦋

Native Hawaiian ecosystem

Wildlife

Nāpau supports native Hawaiian bird species and pollinators, playing an important role in the native forest ecosystem and providing food sources for endangered native birds. [source]

🎨

Cultural preservation

Craft

Growing nāpau contributes to the preservation of native Hawaiian plant knowledge and supports efforts to maintain Hawaiian botanical heritage and ethnobotanical traditions. [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 berries when fully colored (yellow or orange) and slightly soft to pressure. Ripe berries detach easily from the plant. Harvest regularly to encourage continued flowering and fruiting. Berries can be eaten fresh, cooked, or dried.

Fun Facts

🌱 Nāpau is endemic to Hawaii, meaning it grows naturally nowhere else in the world, making it a unique part of Hawaiian botanical heritage.
🌱 As a member of the Solanum genus (which includes potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers), nāpau shares the nightshade family's characteristic star-shaped flowers.
🌱 The name 'nāpau' appears in Hawaiian ethnobotanical literature, though the plant remains relatively rare and understudied by modern science, making it a priority for Native Hawaiian plant conservation efforts.

Gardening Terms

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

Full Sun Partial Shade Pinch Back Pollination True Leaves

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