Datura metel ‘Double Purple’ (Devil’s Trumpet) [15 Seeds]

Germination Information: Some people say daturas are easy to grow from seed, but I have to be honest: I find them quirky. Sometimes they require a lot of patience, with germination being slow and erratic. I usually sow indoors in early to mid-spring, just pressing the seeds into the surface, and set the pot on a heat mat. Be aware that it can take several weeks—even a month or more—for the first seedlings to appear, with others popping up over the following weeks.

If you really want to delve into sowing options, you may find this article of interest: Simple Method of Improved Seed Germination in Datura metel L. Since it indicated that a cold-water soak or a chilling period could enhance germination rates, I tried an overnight soak in cold water with a few ice cubes in 2022 and had very good results. I sowed the soaked seeds on March 6 indoors under lights and the first one germinated on March 17, with more seedlings appearing from March 22 to April 10. (I’m very glad that the article’s authors found that a cow-urine soak was not helpful in encouraging germination. I don’t think I would have been willing to go that far.) Interestingly, when I did my 2023 sowing, the cold-soaked seeds took two days longer to first appear than seeds that had no pre-treatment. Go figure! With treatment or without, it’s normal for germination to be slow and erratic, so please be patient with them.

Note that this information will not appear on the seed packet you receive.

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