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The various varieties of Datura (genus Datura), which are found almost all over the world, are sometimes confused with the equally popular angel's trumpets (genus Brugmansia) because of the similar-looking flowers. However, datura is an annual and not hardy plant, while angel's trumpet can be overwintered under suitable conditions.
Datura is best propagated from seed
The same game every year
Datura is a short-lived plant and grows herbaceous to bushy, with different varieties between 0.2 and a maximum of 2 meters high. Overwintering is not possible with Datura because its life cycle is based purely on annual new growth from seeds. On the other hand, specimens planted in a good location also grow quickly and reliably if they have enough nutrients, light and water available. The individual calyx flowers, which preferably open at night, delight the gardener in the flowering period from July to October for only one or two days, but the seed capsules that later form from them are definitely worth seeing.
Harvest seeds from datura yourself
If you want to harvest germinable Datura apple seeds for sowing the following year, then you must not cut off or pluck off the white or purple flowers after they have withered. The fertilized flowers initially form green seed capsules, the spines of which are the namesake for various colloquial names of the plant genus. These seed pods, which resemble chestnut fruit, turn brown as the seeds mature in the fall and eventually burst open. Then the seed pods should be collected carefully and quickly and dried on kitchen paper for a few days before packing. Make sure they are kept safely out of the reach of children and without any risk of confusion, as the seeds, like all parts of the Datura plant, are highly poisonous.
Sow the datura properly
When sowing directly outdoors, a time between April and June and a location that is as open and sunny as possible should be chosen. Starting in February, growing indoors makes sense and accelerates the germination of the seeds, which can germinate optimally at 20 degrees Celsius and with sufficient humidity. When planting the young plants, the following factors should be considered:
- A distance of about one meter should be maintained between the plants
- Distance from the vegetable patch to avoid dangerous mix-ups
- Datura plants prefer a permeable, nutrient-rich substrate
tips
If the thorn apple is cultivated in a pot, it is essential to ensure adequate watering and regular fertilization.