Datura Metel

Datura metel grows in the wild in all the warmer parts of the world, such as India and is cultivated worldwide for its chemical and ornamental properties. It was first described by Linnaeus in 1753, but no botanically correct illustrations or descriptions were made until after the New World was settled. It is not possible to be sure about its original home.

Other Names: Downy Thorn Apple, Devil’s Trumpet, Horn of Plenty, Ghost Egg
Recommended Uses:
The whole plant, but especially the leaves and seed, is anaesthetic, anodyne, antiasthmatic, antispasmodic, antitussive, bronchodilator, hallucinogenic, hypnotic and mydriatic. It has a wide range of applications in India, including in the treatment of epilepsy, hysteria, insanity, heart diseases, fever with catarrh, diarrhoea, skin diseases etc
In China, the plant is used in the treatment of asthma
In Vietnam, the dried flowers and leaves are cut into small chips and used in antiasthmatic cigarettes
Height: 3-5 ft.
Hardiness: Zone 8-11
Flower Color: dark violet

Characteristics: The plant is an annual herb growing up to 3 ft. high. It is slightly furry, with dark violet shoots and oval to broad oval leaves that are often dark violet as well. The pleasantly-scented 6-8 in. flowers are immensely varied, and can be single or double. Colors range from white to cream, yellow, red, and violet.
Uses: medicinal herb, ornament

Growing Instructions:
Start indoors several weeks before warm temperatures. Grow in filtered to direct sun. Water regularly, requires medium to heavy fertilization. Seeds must be scarified with knife. Soak seeds in thermos in warm water for 24 hours. Cover seeds on growing tray with thin layer of vermiculite or compost but needs light to germinate. Place seeds where temperature remains 80 degrees, keeping seeds moist, not soggy. Once germinated move to pot covering roots, placing in indirect light. Plant in ground once true leaves show