The various varieties of datura (genus Datura), which occur almost worldwide, are sometimes confused with the equally popular angel's trumpets (genus Brugmansia) because of their similar-looking flowers. However, the datura is an annual and not winter-hardy plant, while the angel's trumpet can be overwintered under suitable conditions.
How is Datura propagated?
Datura is propagated by seeds that ripen and can be collected in autumn. For successful sowing, the seeds should be grown directly outdoors between April and June or indoors from February onwards. Be aware of the plant's toxic potential when propagating.
The same game every year
The datura is a short-lived plant and grows herbaceous to bushy; overall, different varieties grow between 0.2 and a maximum of 2 meters high. It is not possible to overwinter the datura as its life cycle is based purely on new growth from seeds each year. However, 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 open preferably at night, only delight the gardener for a day or two during the flowering period from July to October, but the seed capsules that later form from them are definitely worth seeing.
Harvest Datura seeds yourself
If you want to harvest germinable datura seeds yourself for sowing the following year, then you must not cut off or pluck the white or purple flowers after they have withered. The fertilized flowers initially form green seed capsules, the spines of which gave their name to various colloquial names for the plant genus. These seed pods, which look similar to the fruits of chestnuts, turn brown as the seeds ripen in autumn and eventually burst open. The seed capsules should then be carefully collected quickly and the seeds dried on kitchen paper for a few days before packaging. Make sure they are stored 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.
Sowing the datura correctly
When sowing directly outdoors, you should choose a time between April and June and a location that is as open and sunny as possible. Growing indoors makes sense from February onwards and accelerates the germination of the seeds (€2.00 on Amazon), which can germinate optimally at 20 degrees Celsius and sufficient humidity. When planting out young plants, the following factors should be taken into account:
- 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
Tip
If the datura is cultivated in a pot, it is essential to ensure adequate watering and regular fertilization.