Shoo Fly
Nicandra physaloidesfam. Solanaceae
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Pl. 8C99 — Nicandra physaloides
Nicandra physaloidesNicandra physaloidesNicandra physaloidesNicandra physaloidesNicandra physaloidesNicandra physaloidesNicandra physaloidesNicandra physaloidesNicandra physaloidesNicandra physaloidesNicandra physaloidesNicandra physaloidesNicandra physaloidesNicandra physaloides
IOverview
Overview
Shoo Fly, scientifically known as Nicandra physaloides, is an annual forb or herb native to regions in Argentina Northwest, Bolivia, Chile Central, Chile North, and Peru. This plant reaches a height of 1.2 meters and thrives in moist conditions with light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil, preferring a pH range of 7–7.5. The fruit and leaves are edible parts that can be harvested for use. One distinctive feature is its light energy requirement, making it suitable for various climates within its native range.
Quick answers
What is Shoo Fly?
Shoo Fly, scientifically known as Nicandra physaloides, is an annual forb or herb native to regions in Argentina Northwest, Bolivia, Chile Central, Chile North, and Peru. This plant reaches a height of 1.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Shoo Fly (Nicandra physaloides) thrives in light to medium moisture and prefers a soil type that can be sandy, loamy, or clayey, with a pH between 7 and 7.5. It is hardy in temperate regions but may require protection from frost during its annual life cycle. This plant needs full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. For best results, keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Harvest edible parts such as fruit and leaves when mature.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
7-10
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.2 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Shoo Fly for the first time
8steps
Start with Shoo Fly as an easy-to-grow annual, focusing on basic care and harvesting.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a container or garden bed, potting soil if using containers.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant outdoors after the last frost in spring when temperatures are consistently above 15°C (60°F).
- 3
Soil and container prep
Prepare a well-draining, light to medium soil with a pH of 7–7.5. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep in the garden bed or start seedlings indoors and transplant them after hardening off.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests like aphids and caterpillars.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide consistent watering, especially during dry spells. Fertilize lightly every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune spent flowers to encourage more blooms and prevent self-seeding. Harvest leaves and fruits as needed for culinary use.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too close together, neglecting to prune, not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitLeaves
Edible uses: The Shoo Fly plant (Nicandra physaloides) is edible and can be used for its leaves and fruit. The leaves are typically eaten fresh in salads or cooked as a vegetable. The fruit, while not commonly consumed raw due to its bitter taste, can be added to dishes after being cooked or dried. Skip the raw consumption to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
5 native · 25 introduced
Distribution
5 native · 25 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 5 native· 25 introduced
Europe5 regions
introduced (5)AustriaBelgiumBulgariaRussiaSpain
Asia2 regions
introduced (2)ChinaIndia
Americas4 regions
native (2)BoliviaPeru
introduced (2)ColombiaCosta Rica
Africa5 regions
introduced (5)AngolaBotswanaBurundiCabo VerdeComoros
Broader regions
native:Chile Central, Chile North, Argentina Northwest
introduced:Bermuda, Amur, Brazil Northeast, Brazil South, Brazil West-Central, Brazil Southeast, Cape Provinces, Colorado, Ascension
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Solanaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Solanaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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