11 Dark Fruits and Vegetables for a Goth Garden

The Victorians who popularized the goth aesthetic may be long gone, but for Wednesday Addams and countless others, darkly romantic things are all the rage. Goth gardens, filled with plants of a darker shade, often conjure fantastical images of carnivorous plants and flowers laced with poisons. In reality, goth gardens can include vegetable crops as well as pretty flowers. 

Although a goth garden gives off a somber mood, the process of growing one can be thrilling. Don’t limit yourself to an all-black color palette – dark purples, velvety reds, and even the contorted branches of the ‘Flying Dragon’ tree all give off an exquisite, gothic atmosphere. Here’s a few dark colored fruits and vegetables that truly complete a goth-themed garden.  

1. Purple Potatoes       

With jeweled, deep-purple flesh, purple potatoes are anything but standard peasant fare. You’ll be pleased to find that the insides are also a royal purple and taste delicious. Popular varieties include All Blue, Purple Peruvian, Magic Molly, and Purple Majesty. Potatoes of any color grow well in raised beds, which often contain better soil quality. 

2. Amaranth   

Once prized by the Aztecs, amaranth is more than pretty decoration – it’s a super grain packed with omega fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein. 'Love Lies Bleeding' amaranth is resplendent with cherry-red tassels that dangle like rubies, providing an epic backdrop. It thrives in poor soil conditions that fells less hardy plants. 

3. Poncirus trifoliata 'Flying Dragon'

Its fruits aren’t dark-colored, but the contorted branches of the 'Flying Dragon' citrus, tipped with sharp thorns, are in keeping with themes of death and decay inherent to the goth genre. Despite the reputation of citrus plants as being difficult to grow, it’s far from weak – one of the hardiest citrus varieties, it’s virtually free from the ravages of pests. This unusual oddity is slow growing, flowering in its 5th year, and bears very sour fruit that can be used like a lime. For best results, grow in a rolling citrus tree planter. 

4. Black Diamond Watermelon   

A dark, handsome variety, Black Diamond watermelon provides enough produce to feed a legion. Its appeal is further sharpened by the contrast between its black-green rind and red, juicy flesh. It’s interesting to note that pumpkins and watermelons can become vampirized if exposed to the full moon, according to an obscure Balkan myth. Water this variety generously and consistently for about 10 days until the fruits are about the size of a tennis ball. 

5. Black Nebula Carrots     

Win over picky eaters who are tired of being repeatedly told that vegetables are good for them by offering a plate of  Black Nebula carrots. Rich in beta-carotene and antioxidants, this coal-black carrot has an endearingly rustic appearance and can be eaten roasted (roasted is recommended), raw, steamed, or even used as a natural dye. When it comes time to harvest, use a hori hori knife to dig them up without scraping them. 

6. Moon and Stars Watermelon             

Moon and star symbolism brings a romantic side to what is generally deemed as a depressing genre. Now, gardeners can grow this exceedingly unique watermelon, etched with the night sky on its rind. One large yellow dot resembles the moon, while numerous specks become the stars. And unlike other large watermelons, it won’t lose its flavor once it reaches large proportions. Vines yield 3 – 4 melons averaging 20 pounds each, but individuals can reach up to 35 pounds. 

7. Black Cherry Tomatoes          

Tomatoes are the medicine that keeps the doctor away – even this ghoulish variety – they’re an abundant source of antioxidants that may help combat serious disease. Black Cherry tomatoes are an indeterminate variety known for their smoky, low-acid flavor. They can be used in classic summertime recipes like bruschetta, salads, or eaten fresh from the garden. Vines are vigorous, so it’s recommended that you use a trellis to support them. 

8. Jewel Raspberry     

There are blackberries and blueberries, then there’s black raspberries, glossy like the carapaces of beetles. Jewel Raspberry produces large, lustrous blackberries with a richer, more intense taste and a lingering hint of licorice. As some gardeners report a dull taste when eaten fresh, use in jams, jellies, and pies instead. Grow in well-draining soil amended with compost and fertilize with a quality organic fertilizer. 

9. Red Rubin Basil     

Many darker plants have a sinister persuasion or perhaps a nightmarish quality. The exception is Red Rubin basil, which looks hardly intimidating. The glossy, burgundy leaves of this basil variety gleam darkly against swaths of green, giving off a pungent clove scent. Try making pesto with it – although it won’t hold its color, it tastes delicious. 

10. Ruby Red Leaf Lettuce     

Many gardeners omit lettuces when considering a goth garden, even though red varieties are a beautiful addition. Rubies are the last thing that lettuce brings to mind, yet this vibrant lettuce accomplishes just that. It’s able to retain its color under intense sun conditions and may even darken. Serve with other tender lettuce varieties for a healthy combination. 

11. Black Futsu Squash     

The Black Futsu squash never manages to be fully black or even close to it, instead varying between a brackish green to warm orange-brown. However, its delightfully warty appearance is enough to warrant its addition to a goth garden. Seeds are sown indoors 3 – 4 weeks before the last frost date. Handle gently when transplanting to prevent disturbing its root system. It benefits from curing, which entails placing in a warm, dry spot with good ventilation.