Propagation: PLANT PROPAGATION - THE BASICS - MARCH 2013, 3 by

wrote:
I have the seeds of different Datura that I have had since 2001 and wanted to check to see if they are viable. Instead of using the Deno method, (didn't work last time) I just sowed them in Jiffy seeding mix. They sprouted irregulartly.

I noticed that the leaves of D. inoxia are heart shaped, the other varieties are not. Also, the stems are ligt green, the other varieties are maroon or partly so.

1] D. metel "Yellow Ballerina. It is 6" tall in 3" pot. Sowed in February 6, and germinated Febrauary 15 this year. Noticed shape of leaves.
2] D. inoxia with heart shaped leaves. Still in 6-pack.
3] D. inoxia and D. metel
4] D. metel " Yellow Ballerina" and D. metel "Purple Ballerina"Notice the maroon stems.

In conclusion, seeds don't have to be fresh to germinate. D. inoxia seed are from 2001. They are also the original seeds from when I lived in Nebraska and the only variety around. I sowed some from 2005 for my daughter and her inoxia are not as nice as the original since I grew others at the same time so cross pollinated.

Those I sowed this year I will grow one of each just to see what I will get in flowers. I will let the bees do the crossing. .