Growing Datura

"In Bactria there is a plant that grows called Gelotophyllis, which, if drunk with wine and myrrh produces continuous laughter. A similar results is produced by Arum Aegyptiacum when eaten, and by the flowers and seeds of Datura....Plants of Omen "

Datura StrammoniumWhile I have had almost a lifetime of growing this plant , it never ceases to fascinate me. Whilst others are busy with their ornamentals, I much prefer (at least lately) continuing my fascination with this very ancient and sacred plant of the Solanacea family. Yes, it is related to the tomato! However, like MANY in this family of plants, it is extremely toxic. Datura is believed to be sacred to the destroyer God Shiva, and Indian dancing girls are said to drink a potion made from datura flowers and seeds to bring joy and laugher (I would not recommend attempting this). It is sacred to the moon, and is called by many elders the "Moon Plant". The reason is because it flowers more profusely during the moonlit hours, and, imparts a more intense aroma during the evening as well.

The seeds from this plant can be (*and usually are) fatal when ingested. While in the hands of a skilled practitioner it could be medicinally useful, it is definitely not something one should just brew up and consume. It would be wise to also consider not growing it at all if you have young children amidst your garden. Chemically similar to the Brugmansia species, Datura is thought to have been introduced to the New World via the Mongoloids in late Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods [cite: Schultes and Hoffman], and possesses high amounts of tropane alkoloids, particularly, atropine (the same found in Atropa Belladonna another member of the Solanacea family), hyoscyamine, and scopolamine. It is these alkoloids which lend the plant it's narcotic effects.

From a more aetheric perspective, the beautiful trumpet flowers produced by this plant are as a gift from the gods themselves. It is perhaps their almost otherworldly aroma which deceives the ignorant man to his death in attempt to imbibe it. I have spent much time admist this ancient plant, and have my own inner knowledge on the matter. While modern science has yet to discover how to obtain its volatile essence for mass manufacture, it remains a dream of mine to someday unlock the mystery of their scent and share it with the world!

Tips on Growing Datura: Datura is extremely easy to grow and will profusely re-seed itself once your main plants are established. However, getting it started from seed can sometimes be frustrating and appear to take some time. The secret to growing it is in understanding its preferences and habits.

Considered a "roadside weed" (which I find a rather profane description but unfortunately one often used), it does thrive well in poorer soils and where it would be naturally protected in the wild from other weeds and debris. Therefore, the trick is to imitate this type of environment. For example, if you were to create a small section or bed and plant the seeds about 1/2 inch in tilled soil, and then water them, and then cover them with leaves or grass clippings and such, you will find them to grow very well. But if you try to "over attend" to them, they don't honestly care for that and will not be as vigorous.

Remember: this plant is the icon of the destroyer God, and extremely independent! Adoration is ok, fussing over it is not ok if you want robust plants. So tend it minimally and otherwise leave her alone! In fact, if you should have a rock garden or area of common ground rock cover (like the sort you can buy from a home and garden shop), and you planted some seeds amidst it and watered the area regularly, you would find the seeds to germinate right there for you and arise sturdy and strong. To support their growth during the germination and growing phases, avoid letting them dry out by keeping them well watered. Once established they are very drought tolerant, but up until that point they are susceptible to wilting and dying off. Datura plants take anywhere from 7 days to 2 weeks to germinate (in reality) depending on the temperature and soil conditions. In warmer weather, they will germinate and grow faster (much like a tomato plant); in cooler weather, they will take their time and not develop as quickly.

Some say they are desease resistant and this is fairly well true, however, they are NOT bug resistant. Many small garden pests enjoy eating their leaves; and yes, Japanese beetles will eat their leaves as well as Tomato hornworms among other things. I have found them to be more prone to attack when potted, than when growing in the ground. Yet, they do make lovely potted plants provided: they have a large enough pot to accomodate their vigorous root growth and provided: you continually water them, because they cannot stand being grown in pots to begin with as they tend to dry out so quickly.