I got the seeds.... Now what?

After seeing the beautiful blooms that Redrose had, I found and purchased some seeds for a triple yellow datura.

I am VERY bad with starting seeds.

The enclosed instructions said to nick the seeds and soak them overnight, and then to plant them in moist potting soil and cover them with plastic, misting every few days if needed.

The instruction sheet also said that datura seeds, because of the hard seed coat, sprout sporadically (anywhere from two weeks to well over a month), and went on to tell what to do when seedlings are ready to transplant.

I am wondering if the potted seeds should be kept inside, or outside (partly sunny or shade)?

And information or advice would be greatly apreciated. Thanks!

Jean

Below is a picture of the bloom (from the auction page):

They are easy to grow, but germination is sporadic. At this time of year in your zone, I would sow them in the garden, or half there, and half in a soiless seedling mixture. I planted some in a tupperware container in about 2" of soiless mix, kept them moist by sealing the entire container in a big zipper bag, and after they had their first set of cotyledons (seed leaves) carefully pricked them out and transplanted to 4" pots. They are tough little guys. You'll have fun with 'em!

Edited to add: In the ground they like full sun. If you are starting them in a container, be careful not to cook them in the heat outside :)

This message was edited May 7, 2004 8:54 PM

Newbie questions: What is a soiless mix? Also where is the best place to buy seeds of this type?

Its usually a mixture of peat and perlite, or peat and vermiculite. You want to use a lightweight mixture that drains well. The kind I use kind of has a sandy appearance. It helps in preventing damping off, a fungus hat kills seedlings. There are other things that can be used too, like peat pellets, rock wool, etc. Hope that helps!

Yes, they are easy I would think for your zone. I'm in zone 8 and I toss them on the ground and in extra pots:) Some pop up quickly & others I forget about then, one day there they are. Have fun!

txkitty, you can find them cheap on ebay. Gosh, I just gave away a lot of seeds...

That so great for you has it now triple datura so pretty. I am happy for you and make sure put half and half shade ok not want to burn them.

Thank you all! I appreciate the information.

Redrose, you're the one who started this! LOL. After I saw that pretty plant you got at Home Depot. I didn't see any locally.

txkitty, I got the seeds on eBay (searched for "triple yellow datura" and this was one of the searched returns -- even though the auction was for "Triple Yellow Angel Trumpet").

Jean

Do Datura seeds only need bottom heat for germination in the winter and early spring? I rememeber being told that, and it worked for me--but I'm not sure about my zone or about this time of year. Will they germinate naturally now?

I put a datura seedling outside this week and it immediately wilted. So I agree, be gentle with the full sun at first.

LSP....you will have good luck with most of them. Just be patient, some take longer to germinate than others. I've had some finally come up almost 3 months later. I never soak or knick them, I just poke them in the dirt or potting mix and off they go (some) in about 5 days. After established, they love the sun and heat....just make sure to keep them watered or they will look very unhappy.

After they bloom, you will have a seed pod forming. I normally take all the pods off except maybe 1 or 2. That way the plant has enough energy to produce more blooms. When the seed pods are ready to harvest they will darken and crack open. You'll be surprised how many seeds are in one pod. You will have seeds to share with many people!

art...you can probably poke a few in pots now outside and have great luck with them. I've germinated some that way.

Is there some place on line where one might purchase datura plants?? Thanks!!!! SherryLike

Sherry...I think I saw some for sale in my local nursery! I got some from a friend on tinkers forum!