Description

Giant Nightshade (Managu) Seeds

Unlock the potential of Giant Nightshade farming with Organic Farm’s certified Giant Nightshade seeds (Solanum scabrum, S. villosum, S. americanum), commonly known as managu or African nightshade in Kenya. This indigenous leafy vegetable, prized for its nutritional richness and cultural significance, is a staple in Kenyan diets, offering a slightly bitter, versatile flavor for stews and side dishes. Our KEPHIS-certified seeds, sourced and packaged in Muranga, Kenya, are selected for high germination, disease resistance, and vigorous growth, ideal for farmers in regions like Kisumu, Nakuru, and Kirinyaga seeking a profitable, low-maintenance crop.

Benefits of Giant Nightshade (Managu) Farming

• Nutritional Value: Rich in vitamins A, C, E, iron, calcium, and antioxidants, managu supports immunity, bone health, and vision, making it a favorite for health-conscious consumers and recommended for pregnant or nursing mothers.

• Versatile Uses: Leaves are cooked as a vegetable, often mixed with other greens like amaranth; ripe berries are consumed fresh in some communities; used in traditional medicine for ailments like stomach aches and tonsillitis.

• High Profitability: Yields 3–5 tonnes per acre, generating significant income due to high demand in urban markets (e.g., Nairobi, Eldoret) and export potential to Europe and Asia. One acre can yield up to 3,500 kg, with a kg priced at KSh 50–100 depending on season.

• Fast Growth and Low Maintenance: Matures in 30–45 days, with a harvest period of up to 4 months; requires minimal inputs and tolerates varied soils, making it ideal for smallholder farmers.

Favorable Climates for Giant Nightshade (Managu) in Kenya

Managu thrives in tropical to subtropical climates with temperatures of 20–30°C, rainfall of 500–1,200mm, and altitudes of 0–2,500m. It prefers full sunlight but tolerates partial shade, though shade reduces leaf yield.

Suitable Regions in Kenya

• Central Kenya: Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu

• Western Kenya: Kisumu, Bungoma, Kakamega

• Rift Valley: Nakuru, Eldoret, Kericho

• Eastern Kenya: Meru, Embu

• Coastal Kenya: Kilifi, Taita Taveta

Soil Requirements

• Soil Type: Well-drained loamy or sandy loam soils rich in organic matter; tolerates clay with good drainage.

• Soil pH: 5.5–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral); test and amend with lime if needed.

• Nutrients: Requires high nitrogen, moderate phosphorus, and potassium; enrich with compost or manure.

• Drainage: Essential to prevent root rot; avoid waterlogged areas.

Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Giant Nightshade (Managu)

Site Preparation

• Select a site with 6–8 hours of sunlight and no history of Solanaceae crops (e.g., tomatoes, potatoes) for 2–3 seasons to reduce disease risk.

• Clear weeds manually or with a herbicide like CLAMPDOWN (200ml/20l); plow to a fine tilth and incorporate 2–3 tons of well-decomposed manure per acre.

• Test soil pH and fertility; apply 50kg DAP per hectare for initial nutrients.

Seedbed Preparation

• For nursery sowing, create raised beds (1m wide, 5–10m long) with loose, manure-enriched soil. For direct sowing, prepare furrows 30cm apart.

• Mix seeds with sand or ash (1:4 ratio) for uniform broadcasting; drench soil with PYRAMID (100g/20l) and OPTIMIZER (20ml/20l) to control soil pests.

Planting Seeds

• Use KEPHIS-certified Giant Nightshade (Managu) seeds from Organic Farm (e.g., 25g packet contains ~20,000 seeds, sufficient for 0.1–0.2 acres at 2–3kg/ha).

• Sow seeds 1cm deep in rows 15–20cm apart or broadcast thinly; cover with a thin soil layer. Plant during rainy seasons (March–May or October–December) for optimal moisture.

• Mulch with dry grass to retain moisture and prevent seed splattering; erect shade 60cm above beds to protect seedlings. Germination occurs in 7–14 days.

Transplanting (Optional)

• Transplant seedlings with 5–6 true leaves (30 days after sowing) to the main field, spacing 30cm between rows and 10–15cm between plants (88,888 plants/acre).

• Water thoroughly post-transplanting to reduce shock; harden off seedlings by reducing shade and water starting week 3.

Caring for Giant Nightshade (Managu) Plants

• Irrigation: Water every 2–3 days during germination, then weekly (20 liters/m²); use drip irrigation in dry regions like Nakuru for efficiency. Avoid waterlogging.

• Fertilization: Apply compost (2–3kg/m²) or NPK 14:14:14 (40–50g/m²) at planting; top-dress with urea or CAN every 2 weeks to boost leaf growth.

• Weeding: Weed at weeks 2, 4, and 6 to reduce competition; hand-weed carefully to avoid damaging shallow roots.

• Pest and Disease Control: Monitor for aphids, whiteflies, cutworms, and diseases like early blight or bacterial blight. Use neem oil, insecticidal soap, or pesticides like BELT 480SC (10ml/20l) for pests; apply RANSOM 600WP (15g/20l) for fungal diseases. The hairy variety can trap red spider mites, protecting nearby crops. Crop rotation with non-Solanaceae crops (e.g., amaranth) is essential.

• Harvesting: Begin 4 weeks after transplanting or 30–45 days from direct sowing. Cut tender stems 15cm above ground every 1–2 weeks for continuous growth, or uproot entire plants at 10–11 weeks for commercial harvest (10x10cm spacing).

Plant Population and Spacing

• Spacing: 30cm between rows, 10–15cm between plants for leaf production; 10x10cm for uprooting.

• Seed Rate: 2–3kg per hectare (0.8–1.2kg per acre); 25g covers ~0.1 acres.

• Population: 88,888–100,000 plants per acre at standard spacing.

Expected Production

• Per Acre: 3–5 tonnes of fresh leaves, harvested over 4 months; up to 3,500kg under optimal conditions.

• Income: At KSh 50–100/kg, one acre can yield KSh 150,000–350,000 per season, with higher returns in peak seasons.

• Harvest Timeline: Leaves ready in 30–45 days; continuous harvesting every 1–2 weeks until flowering.

Why Choose Organic Farm’s Giant Nightshade (Managu) Seeds?

Organic Farm is a trusted leader in sustainable agriculture in Kenya, empowering farmers with quality inputs. Our 25g Giant Nightshade (Managu) seeds offer:

• KEPHIS-Certified Quality: High-germination seeds (80–90%) from varieties like S. scabrum and S. villosum, selected for large leaves, less bitterness, and market appeal, certified by the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service.

• Superior Varieties:

  • S. scabrum: Broad leaves, high yield, less bitter, widely marketable.

  • S. villosum: Smaller, bitter leaves, traditional flavor, niche demand.

  • S. americanum: Large leaves, purple berries, popular in urban markets.

• Expert Support: Agronomic guidance on planting, pest control, and market linkages for local and export markets (Europe, Asia).

• Eco-Friendly Practices: Organic seed production supports soil health and biodiversity, aligned with good agricultural practices (GAP).

• Nationwide Delivery: Reliable shipping across Kenya.

Note on Cultivation

Select seeds carefully, as some Solanum species (e.g., S. nigrum from Europe) are toxic. Stick to certified S. scabrum, S. villosum, or S. americanum for safe consumption. The hairy variety can serve as a natural pest trap for red spider mites, benefiting nearby crops.

Join Kenya’s booming managu industry, driven by rising demand for nutritious indigenous vegetables, with Organic Farm’s certified seeds. Order your 25g packet now to start a profitable, fast-growing crop that delivers lush harvests in just weeks!

Contact: oxfarmorganic@gmail.com