Datura wrightii – Sacred Datura (seed)

Description

A species of Datura originally from North America. Datura wrightii has pure white flowers about 4 inches across which develop into a pendulous spiky ball which splits apart at maturity to disperse its seeds. This species is named for Charles Wright, 1811-1885, a botanical collector from the USA.

Like all Daturas, this species contains atropine, hyoscine (scopolamine), hyoscyamine and should be handled with care.

Care and Cultivation of Datura wrightii

Datura wrightii seed can be sown in spring/summer/autumn. Sow 3-5mm under the surface of a well drained seed raising mix. This species responds well to GA3 treatment (mix as instructed and soak overnight before rinsing and planting as per instructions). Datura wrightii does not mind being transplanted. Prefers a full sun and well-drained position. Fertilise regularly over the growing season to encourage flowers. This species has a perennial rootstock that can survive over winter if it is kept frost free.

If there are no germination after 3 weeks, try letting the soil dry out, disturb and dig the soil surface, pat back down and then start watering again. This should stimulate germination. You can repeat as needed.

8 seeds per packet