Download Growing Datura species

Growing Datura species
Datura are annuals in the Northeast. They can return the next year if seed is left on the ground. As far as
I know all species of Datura seed can tolerate freezing. In fact, it improves germination rates
considerably.
The various species of Datura offer a wide variety of flower sizes and plant sizes. Datura meteloides
grows to about 3 feet tall but can spread to 4 feet wide. Datura metel may grow to 5 feet but is an
upright plant. Datura stramonium can grow to 6 feet or more and is bushier than D. metel and has
smaller leaves.
Datura flowers are all trumpet shaped and stand upright. They tend to open in the early evening and will
close the next day unless the weather is cool or cloudy, then they may stay open. Many species have a
sweet scent that can be very strong. The seed pods are often spiny. Different species have different
spination on the pods. All parts of the Datura plant are poison and should not be eaten.
Once established, Datura plants are durable and tolerant of dry conditions. That doesn’t mean they don’t
appreciate plenty of water and some fertilizer, however. The better you treat them the more vigorously
they will grow and flower.
Preparing seed: Some species of Datura can be difficult to germinate. They like warm ground and
adequate moisture, but even then can take up to 6 weeks. My seed has been treated to speed
germination and most should germinate within 21 days. “Stratification” is when seed is frozen and then
thawed to improve germination rates. Datura benefit from stratification. Even so, germination rates can
be low with many species. This is normal even if it is annoying!
Planting: Datura can be sown directly in the ground or started indoors as early as Feb or March. Any
head start will speed flowering, but seed planted in the ground will have plenty of time to flower. Do not
give up hope if the seed seems to take forever to sprout. It will grow when it’s ready. Warmth and
moisture are key. Patience is king! When the seed is warm, moist and happy it will grow, and not
before. Moist does not mean wet.
Transplanting: Datura do not like to be disturbed. If you start indoors, use Jiffy pots so that you can
transplant without disturbing the roots. If you don’t use Jiffy pots, transplant carefully, keeping as much
soil in place around the roots as possible. Water well and keep watered until plants show continued
growth.
Spacing: Datura meteloides especially can spread generously – 4 feet is not uncommon in a sunny,
fertile location. As compensation for its size, it will be covered with beautiful white flowers. When
transplanting or thinning, estimate how close you think they should be, then double it. Several other
species get bushy and/or rather tall under good conditions. Give them their space, it’s worth it!
Sun: Datura love sun! Give them as much as you can. The less direct sun the smaller your plants will be.
A mind of their own: Just like Datura seed can be slow to germinate, the plants can be slow to get
growing. Be patient! Once they start they grow quite fast, and they’re worth the wait. I had D. metel v
fatuosa seedlings sit and brood for 2 weeks after I transplanted them outdoors. I think I actually saw
them scowl at me. One day I took a look and they showed remarkable growth in a single day. In the end
I had beautiful plants over 5 feet high with bloom after sweet-smelling bloom for weeks.
Pests: Insects don’t seem to bother Datura much. However, if you are seeing insect damage do not use
Sevin insecticide! Sevin tends to cause stunted, deformed leaf growth. In fact, do not use any
insecticide that you spray on the leaves! I experimented with Bayer’s Merit. They sell it with many
labels, often as “Season Long Grub Control.” The chemical name is Imidacloprid; it’s a synthetic
nicotine. The secret is to use it as a systemic, not a foliar spray! The form I use is mixed with water and I
applied it to the ground generously so it could soak deep into the root zone. Insect control on my Datura
stramonium was excellent – this species is often attacked by a tiny beetle in my yard. Strangely enough
the beetle will ignore other species growing 3 feet away.
Herbicides: Keep all herbicides well away. Roundup, even anywhere near the plant, will harm it.
Weeding should be done by hand or with mulch.