Datura decorative flower. Datura dope cultivation and care at home

Do you want to surprise your friends? Plant datura - a large monumental annual with huge (up to 25 cm in diameter) bell-shaped flowers. Datura hybrid, despite its original appearance, is quite unpretentious, although it will not refuse good care. It can be grown by planting seedlings directly into the ground, or as a container plant, placing it on outdoor terrace or patio.

Growing Datura

Datura is easy to grow, generally has a long flowering period, although individual flowers wither quite quickly, but this is offset by the abundance of buds on one plant. Since datura gives abundant self-seeding, the process of seed formation must be carefully monitored by cutting off faded heads. If you want to leave the seeds for planting, then for this purpose choose the fruits that formed on the site of the very first flowers. And put gauze bags over the seed heads so that they do not crumble. However, any online seed store has in its range planting material for every taste.

The splendor of flowering of datura is affected by the hardness of irrigation water, it is recommended to shed the plant at least once a season lime mortar(1 g / 1 liter).

A powerful plant needs abundant feeding. You can use any complex mineral fertilizer (20 g / 10 l) and water datura every week during the summer.

Reproduction of Datura

Seed method of propagation of Datura Landing is carried out in early March in plastic shallow containers. Peat is poured into the bottom with a thin layer, and then any fertile loose soil. The seeds are “covered” from above with a layer of compost no more than 5 mm thick, and from above it would be nice to powder with ash, cover the container with glass. Seeds germinate unevenly, the first ones appear on the 10-12th day, and the remaining ones can germinate for about a month. The earth should be constantly moderately moist. The seedling is useful for day and night temperature changes, with their help the plants are hardened. Seedlings dive once, deepening them to the level of cotyledon leaves. The plant is planted in the garden in late spring - early summer.

Propagation of Datura by cuttings presents no difficulty. They take root both in the ground and in the water, after which they are seated in separate pots.

Soil mix for Datura container culture

Since autumn, a soil mixture has been prepared for planting datura in containers. To do this, take humus, well-sifted garden soil and large river sand(2:2:1). Store the mixture in plastic bags under a canopy.

In the garden, it is better to plant datura in solitary plantings, where it will perform in all its glory. Do not forget that datura is known by a different name - dope, which means that it has no place on the playground, and indeed where there are young children, since all parts of the plant are very poisonous.

Datura is a flowering plant from the Solanaceae genus, called Datura in science. During its history, the flower has acquired many popular names. Datura-grass, water drunk, poisoner, mad potion, witch or devil grass.

Nevertheless, it is very popular among flower growers for growing in the garden for its beauty and unpretentiousness in care.

Daturu easy to grow from seeds. Planting material can be collected independently or purchased in specialized stores. In February or early March, you can sow seeds for seedlings in the house.

Seeds can be collected by yourself or bought ready-made.

For best germination it is better to pre-soak them. Planting depth should not exceed 0.5 cm.

Be sure to take cups or planting boxes that have great depth: the roots of the seedlings will grow quickly. A thin layer of peat is placed at the bottom. The soil must be chosen fertile and light, add river sand to it and steam it well.

Datura seeds(Datura) very tenacious. If the storage conditions are observed, they will not lose their germination quality for 10 years. In order to make sure that the planting material has not deteriorated, it is poured with hot water.

Seeds that are suitable for use will remain at the bottom, and those that float will be rejected. The percentage of germination and germination is amazing. 95% of seeds germinate. Germination periods can vary from 10 to 50 days.

Step-by-step instructions for growing from seeds

The following actions will help to maximize the percentage of seed germination:

Growth stimulator helps accelerate seed germination

After the seeds hit the ground, you need:

Maintain the air temperature around 25˚С as soon as the first shoots appear - 18-20˚С.
Young sprouts will need a lot of light so that they do not stretch.
"Children" of Datura follows treat with any fungicide as soon as they emerge. This will eliminate the possibility of black leg disease, which seedlings are highly susceptible to.

The grown sprouts are transplanted into a pot, when the first leaves appear, they dive. Water regularly 3 times a week. When the threat of frost passes Datura is relocated to street conditions on the permanent place residence.

He grows quickly. Already in June, its flowering may begin, which will last until September.

flower facts

Description

Datura has wide area of growth. "Devil grass" comes from Asia. She feels great in the Crimea, in the south of Russia, in the Caucasus, in Ukraine and in the West of Siberia.

Wild Datura grows near houses, in wastelands, near ravines. The flower loves loose, moist and nutritious soil. It usually grows in clusters.

On the personal plot any gardener can handle Datura grass. The flower is absolutely not whimsical to watering and care, it practically grows by itself. In the middle lane, its seeds rarely ripen, and it is considered an annual.

In the southern regions of Datura grows by self-sowing from year to year and can take large areas, sometimes it is equated with a weed.

Datura is an annual light-loving plant, reaching a height of more than 1 m. It grows in the form of a bush. It has large and very beautiful flowers in the shape of a bell or funnel.

Flowers can be of various shades, but most often white color. Unfortunately, Datura flowers wither quickly. This is compensated by the fact that there are a lot of flowers on one bush and they bloom quickly.

Datura - night plant, in the evening the buds open and exude a sweet aroma, which is not recommended to enjoy for a long time.

It is strictly contraindicated to breathe the aroma of datura for a long time.

Flowers close with the arrival of sunlight. Decorative variety will give any garden an exotic zest with its own history:

That is why, those who have young children and inquisitive animals in the house should better refrain from growing it in their garden.

Datura flower - indoor plant

Few people know that the plant can be grown at home. With the onset of autumn, it can be dug up in the garden and planted in a large tub. Thus, Datura will grow in the house for many years.

Such a beauty will need a large and bright room. In summer, it must be taken out into the fresh air in the garden or on the balcony. With the onset of autumn cold weather, they bring it into the house.

In the cold season, the plant is removed indoors.

In winter, he needs regular watering and being away from radiators.

Feeding at a young age not needed before first bloom. Then alternate mineral and organic fertilizers every week. In winter, give the plant a break.

To have Datura in the house means to be a great original. When finding a dope flower in the house, do not forget about its poisonous qualities.

reproduction

Datura can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. In natural wild and natural conditions, this flower propagated by seeds.

seed propagation

For home seed propagation you will need to collect the seeds yourself from the ripe fruits of the "boxes" (or buy seeds in the store). Outwardly, the "boxes" look like a prickly egg.

Inside which more than 500 seeds are usually black. Next, germinate the seeds and dive young plants, as described above.

cutting method

propagate Datura maybe cuttings who have not yet matured. AT summer period they are rooted in nutritious humus and cut off. The cuttings overwinter in the warmth, and as soon as the frosts end, they can be planted in outdoor soil.

Winter content

If Datura is left on the street in the middle lane with cold winters, then it will die. If desired, adult plants can overwinter indoors, but already cool. Gardeners dig Datura in the fall and transplant it into a tub, cutting off excess stems.

During wintering, preventive circumcisions are carried out for the flower, often it should not be moistened.

This way plant conservation enjoys little demand- the flower loses its viability compared to those propagated by cuttings or grown from seeds. As a result, Datura grass is grown as an annual plant.

How to plant in open ground

Datura, grown in the open field, will differ markedly from the indoor one with its chic forms. Datura in pots is always small in stature, its inflorescences are formed unevenly.

The difference can be clearly seen if Datura is transplanted from a pot into open ground.

In just a couple of months, the "devil's flower" will turn into a massive shrub a meter high and covered with an incredible number of inflorescences. Its intoxicating smell will be felt in every corner of the garden.

Pet can grow to a large bush

It is for these reasons that the popularity of outdoor cultivation exceeds the pot method.

Outdoor cultivation

You can grow Datura grass for open ground by seedlings or sowing. Germination of Datura grass seeds for planting in open ground is fundamentally no different from the method that is applied to potted plants.

Datura seedling

Datura seedlings should be planted as follows:

Plant only when the air temperature no longer drops. below 3˚C heat. This time is at the end of May - beginning of June.
A place is chosen protected from the winds so that the plant can grow full-fledged.
The soil should be loose and well fertile.
Complex mineral fertilizers are applied immediately. In the future, this is required to be done once a week. top dressing increase flowering time.

Before fertilizing, it is necessary to moisten the soil. During extreme heat, it is better to stop using various drugs. This can lead to the death of the plant.

Placing the sprout in the ground, it is watered with rainwater and sprinkled with earth on top. Such actions will prevent the rapid evaporation of moisture.
The distance between the "Daturyats" should be at least 1 meter. Growing, the plant requires a lot of space.

Growing dope grass from seedlings allows you to get seedlings faster than with seed cultivation

Datura seeds

Datura can be sown immediately in open ground. This method will appeal to those who are not friends with seedlings. It should only be taken into account that the seeds can germinate if the planting depth does not exceed 10 cm, and the night temperature does not drop below 15-20 ° C.

Feeding is not necessary immediately, but be sure to water 1 time in 3 days.

Types and varieties of Datura

Several types of devil flower are popular among gardeners. They can often be seen in summer cottages and personal plots:

Common (Datura stramonium)

A plant with huge white flowers, shaped like bells. Spherical fruits have sharp thorns. The leaves are large, gray-green. in the southern countries considered a weed.

Indian (Datura Innoxia)

It differs from the ordinary in the specific color of the leaves: bluish-green, closer to gray-blue. The flowers are white.

It is used by the Indians in occult rituals to induce various visions.

Indian (Datura metel)

"Shiva Flower" revered in India, has a divine origin. Its flowers, with a delicate and white-purple veil, envelop the bush, creating a unique spectacle.

Violet (Datura stramonium var. Tatula)

Gained its popularity for its unusual bluish-lilac color of the flower.

Terry

Datura look great too With double flowers . There are several types and colors of them. Datura terry white, orange, red, purple and others.

Note that not only Datura has the Terry variety. For example, this.

A distinctive feature of these species is a light delicate aroma. They are best suited for growing in room conditions.

The undeniable plus of Datura (Datura flower) is its diversity, which exceeds the expectations of the most demanding flower growers. Excluding him poisonous characteristics, breeding garden Datura is a very pleasant experience.

Datura blooms for a long time and plentifully, does not require care, pests bypass it. Datura will be a great addition landscape design. Undoubtedly, the home content of witch Datura is a purely personal matter.

Our grandmothers, growing strawberries, or strawberries, as we used to call them, were not particularly worried about mulching. But today this agricultural practice has become fundamental in achieving high quality berries and reducing crop losses. Some might say it's troublesome. But practice shows that labor costs in this case pay off handsomely. In this article, we suggest that you get acquainted with the nine best materials for mulching garden strawberries.

Succulents are very versatile. Despite the fact that “kids” have always been considered more fashionable, the assortment of succulents with which you can decorate modern interior, it is worth taking a closer look. After all, colors, sizes, patterns, degree of pricklyness, influence on the interior are just a few of the parameters by which you can choose them. In this article, we will talk about the five most fashionable succulents that surprisingly transform modern interiors.

Mint was used by the Egyptians as far back as 1.5 thousand years BC. It has a strong aroma due to the high content of various essential oils with high volatility. Today, mint is used in medicine, perfumery, cosmetology, winemaking, cooking, ornamental gardening, and the confectionery industry. In this article, we will consider the most interesting varieties of mint, and also talk about the features of growing this plant in open ground.

People began to grow crocuses 500 years before the advent of our era. Although the presence of these flowers in the garden is fleeting, we always look forward to the return of the heralds of spring next year. Crocuses - one of the earliest primroses, whose flowering begins as soon as the snow melts. However, the timing of flowering may vary depending on the species and varieties. This article focuses on the earliest varieties of crocuses that bloom in late March and early April.

Shchi from early young cabbage in beef broth is hearty, fragrant and easy to prepare. In this recipe, you will learn how to cook delicious beef broth and cook light cabbage soup with this broth. Early cabbage cooks quickly, so it is placed in the pan at the same time as the rest of the vegetables, unlike autumn cabbage, which takes a little longer to cook. Ready cabbage soup can be stored in the refrigerator for several days. Real cabbage soup is tastier than freshly cooked.

Blueberries - a rare promising berry culture in the gardens. Blueberries are a source of biologically active substances and vitamins, have antiscorbutic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, tonic properties. Berries contain vitamins C, E, A, flavonoids, anthocyanins, trace elements - zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, as well as plant hormones - phytoestrogens. The taste of blueberries resembles a mixture of grapes and blueberries.

Looking at the variety of varieties of tomatoes, it is difficult not to get confused - the choice is very wide today. He sometimes confuses even experienced gardeners! However, it is not so difficult to understand the basics of selecting varieties “for yourself”. The main thing is to understand the peculiarities of culture and start experimenting. One of the easiest tomato groups to grow are varieties and hybrids with limited growth. They have always been appreciated by those gardeners who do not have much time and energy to care for the beds.

Once very popular under the name of indoor nettles, and then forgotten by everyone, coleuses today are one of the most striking garden and indoor plants. They are not in vain considered stars of the first magnitude for those who are looking primarily for non-standard colors. Easy to grow, but not so undemanding as to suit everyone, coleus require constant supervision. But if you take care of them, bushes of velvety unique leaves will easily outshine any competitor.

Salmon backbone baked in Provence herbs is a “supplier” of delicious pieces of fish pulp for a light salad with fresh wild garlic leaves. Mushrooms are lightly fried in olive oil, and then poured with apple cider vinegar. Such mushrooms are tastier than ordinary pickled ones, and they are better suited for baked fish. Ramson and fresh dill coexist perfectly in one salad, emphasizing the flavor of each other. Garlic sharpness of wild garlic will saturate both the flesh of salmon and pieces of mushrooms.

Conifer tree or a shrub on the site is always great, and a lot of conifers is even better. Emerald needles of various shades decorate the garden at any time of the year, and phytoncides and essential oils, secreted by plants, not only flavor, but also make the air cleaner. Generally, most zoned adults coniferous plants, are considered very unpretentious trees and shrubs. But young seedlings are much more capricious and require competent care and attention.

Sakura is most often associated with Japan and its culture. Picnics in the shade flowering trees have long been an integral attribute of the meeting of spring in the Land of the Rising Sun. The financial and academic year here begins on April 1, when magnificent cherry blossoms bloom. Therefore, many significant moments in the life of the Japanese pass under the sign of their flowering. But sakura also grows well in cooler regions - certain types can be successfully grown even in Siberia.

It is very interesting for me to analyze how people's tastes and preferences for certain foods have changed over the centuries. What was once considered tasty and traded lost its value over time and, conversely, new fruit crops conquered their markets. Quince has been cultivated for more than 4 thousand years! And even in the 1st century BC. e. about 6 varieties of quince were known and even then the methods of its reproduction and cultivation were described.

Make your family happy and make themed Easter egg-shaped cottage cheese cookies! Your children will be happy to take part in the process - they will sift the flour, combine all the necessary ingredients, knead the dough and cut out intricate figures. Then they will watch with admiration how the pieces of dough turn into real Easter eggs, and then with the same enthusiasm they will eat them with milk or tea. How to make such original cookies for Easter, read in our step by step recipe!

There are not so many decorative and deciduous favorites among tuberous crops. And the caladium is a true star among the variegated inhabitants of the interiors. Not everyone can decide to start a Caladium. This plant is demanding, and first of all - to care. But still, the rumors about the unusual capriciousness of the Caladium never justify. Attention and care allow you to avoid any difficulties when growing caladiums. And a plant can almost always forgive small mistakes.

We have prepared a hearty, incredibly appetizing and simply elementary dish for you today. This gravy is one hundred percent universal, as it will suit every side dish: vegetables, pasta, and anything. Gravy with chicken and mushrooms will save you in moments when there is no time or you don’t want to think too much about what to cook. Grab your favorite side dish (you can make this ahead of time to keep it hot), add gravy and dinner is ready! A real lifesaver.

Datura (lat. Dature) is an amazing and mysterious plant. Fascinating tubular inflorescences in the form of gramophones will add to the site or home interior notes of southern exoticism. The culture is valued for large leaves and inflorescences of various colors - blue, red, orange, milky, pink. An annual representative of the Solanaceae can reach about two meters in length. Datura (also known as datura and devil's herb) has a bad reputation. The poisonous properties of all parts of the culture scare gardeners. If you do not use leaves, stems or inflorescences, datura will not be able to harm. The plant is often used in pharmacology, folk medicine and homeopathy.

Datura "Ballerina" is one of the brightest representatives of the genus.

Lighting standards

Unpretentious datura in bright light conditions forms a lush bush with fragrant inflorescences. Proper care will help keep abundant flowering until early October.

A short sunny day or a dark location slows down the development of datura. Prolonged lack of lighting can lead to premature leaf fall and death of the flower.

AT indoors the crop can be grown as a perennial. For this, in winter period provide daily supplementary illumination with fluorescent lamps.

Temperature regime

A native of North America prefers a warm microclimate. Active vegetative development occurs at temperatures above + 22 degrees.

In the cold season, it is desirable to maintain the thermometer in the range from + 10 to + 15 degrees. Hot and dry air heating appliances can cause stretching, fading of shoots and leaves.

Watering

At the stage of active growth, it is necessary to regularly moisten the soil. During flowering and wilting, you can reduce the amount of watering.

In winter, at room conditions, dope should be watered as needed. If the air temperature is above + 18 degrees, you will need to water the plant according to the summer season scheme.

Excessive water hardness will not damage the datura. Lime mortar has an excellent effect on the vegetative growth of dope.

In contrast to the negative impact on many horticultural crops, hard water favorably affects the development of the plant.

air humidity requirements

The optimum humidity level should be at least 60%. In winter, you should regularly moisten the environment next to the plant by spraying, placing wet expanded clay on a pallet or humidifying apparatus.

Transfer

Datura refers to annual crops. When grown in open soil, transplanting is not required.

Breeding a culture in room conditions as a perennial provides for a periodic change of container and soil. It is necessary to transplant datura annually in late February or early March. It is recommended to carefully shorten the shoots to form a lush shrub structure.

As a substrate, it is desirable to use turf or greenhouse soil in combination with sand, humus and peat. The container must be provided with drainage holes to drain excess water. A waterlogged substrate leads to rotting of the roots of datura.

Especially large representatives of Datura are difficult to transplant. Therefore, to accelerate development, it is enough to change upper layer soil. Datura at home in a few years can turn into a lush tree with a lignified stem.

How to cut dope

Periodic pruning can encourage flowering. There is a distinctive feature of Datura. The formation of new buds occurs exclusively on young shoots. By removing fading inflorescences, you can cause the active formation of new flower buds.

In winter, Datura may drop some of the leaves. Therefore, it is advisable to prune the plant in the spring.

Buds formed in the cold season, it is desirable to remove. They can significantly weaken the culture.

For long flowering it is necessary to carefully clean the culture from fading and dried inflorescences.

Datura in the open field

Container-grown Datura tends to be short. Inflorescences are formed unevenly. Planting directly in open ground can give amazing results.

In just a few warm months, Datura will turn into a massive shrub, up to one meter high. Abundant flowering cover the date. The heady aroma of inflorescences can spread to the entire site.

It is necessary to plant a plant in the open air after the retreat of the threat of morning frosts. Datura can die from a sudden drop in temperature below + 3 degrees.

You should choose a site protected from drafts and wind. The soil must be loose and fertile.

For remontant (long-term) flowering, you will need to regularly fertilize the soil at the base of the plant. To do this, once a week you need to use complex mineral compounds. Half an hour before feeding, be sure to moisten the soil. The use of drugs in combination with hot weather is detrimental to Datura.

In the garden, Datura grows remarkably well as a solitary crop. Growing in groups or in the shade of other flora can stop flower development.

The nuances of planting seedlings in open ground can be found in the video:

Growing Features

soil mixture

To breed datura at room conditions, it is necessary to mix greenhouse soil with humus and half a portion of river sand.

It is not advisable to use this composition for culture propagation. You can root the cutting in a substrate with leafy soil, humus, peat and sand.

How to fertilize

It is recommended to feed Datura during the period of active development. After flowering, at the dormant stage and in winter, it is not advisable to apply stimulating drugs. As a means to improve plant nutrition, complex fertilizers should be used.

Datura is a very large representative of horticultural crops. Therefore, excessive use of stimulants will not cause the development of diseases and wilting.

At the beginning of autumn, it is necessary to use organic and mineral compounds alternately - at the rate of 20 grams per 10 liters of water.

In open ground, the plant does not need to be fed. At home, you can apply multi-component fertilizers twice a month.

Container options

To grow dope as a perennial on an open terrace or loggia, you should use wooden tubs, large ceramic pots or garden planters. The plant needs an annual transplant. Therefore, you should choose a convenient container.

It is necessary to take into account the functionality of the pot. Periodically mature plant in the overall container will need to be lifted or moved. You can use a little trick. In autumn, before transporting the plant indoors, you can pour out the topsoil on the site. The house should fill the missing substrate. By updating the soil ball, you can not only facilitate movement, but also replace depleted soil.

The main problems and diseases of Datura

Devil grass is highly resistant to various pests and diseases. The appearance of insects, as a rule, provokes improper care or unfavourable conditions. Aphids and spider mite with red dots. Weevils, whiteflies and forest bugs rarely infect the culture.

You can get rid of pests by treating the affected areas with a solution laundry soap as well as insecticides.

Leaf curl is the first sign of crop damage.

Excessive soil moisture combined with a cold snap can cause a dangerous disease - gray rot. The causative agent of the disease is Botrytis cinerea F. As a result, all parts of the datura are affected. Brown watery spots merge and form a continuous plaque on the culture.

The rapid spread of infection can kill all plants susceptible to the disease. Especially young plants. Therefore, it is necessary to destroy the datura. As a preventive measure, you should:

Remove dried leaves and inflorescences.
Periodically clean the culture from the affected areas.
Treat leaves and stems with a combination of chalk, ash and vitriol.

At the initial stage of the disease, you can isolate the plant and try to save it with fungicides.

Reaction to flowering

Datura contains a poisonous substance called daturine. Accidental use of a component can increase blood pressure to a critical level, increase heart rate and block secretion. A small dose of poison will cause aggressive behavior.

Eating berries or other parts of datura can cause severe poisoning.

The main signs of the impact of culture:

Labored breathing.
Rapid pulse.
Dizziness.
Impaired coordination of movements.

AT severe cases hallucinations, speech impairment, or anaphylactic shock may occur. You should immediately contact the medical center. Before the doctors arrive, it is necessary to wash the stomach and take a sorbent.

Reproduction technology

Datura from seeds

In the natural environment, the culture propagates by self-sowing. Often you can find entire groups of plants that have turned into a weed.

At home the most convenient way reproduction - with the help of seeds. It is necessary to start the procedure in the first decade of March. The timing of planting in open ground should be calculated. The plant can be moved to a permanent place after 3 months.

In warm climates, direct sowing on the site is allowed. Soil temperature should not drop + 18 degrees. As a substrate, leafy soil, compost and medium-grained sand are suitable. To stimulate growth, you can pre-treat the seeds with potassium permanganate. Heat treatment will also help to activate germination. Seeds should be poured with hot water.

Under favorable conditions, seedlings will appear in two weeks. If the temperature drops below + 20 degrees or the substrate is dry, the first shoots may appear only after a month.

To stimulate germination, you can use a polyethylene shelter. A mini-greenhouse must be periodically ventilated. After germination, humidity should be maintained at 65%. You can dive into separate containers after the formation of three full-fledged leaves.

Seedlings can be planted in open soil at a distance of 50-90 cm. To protect against possible frosts, seedlings should be covered with foil. Plants dived into pots must be transferred to a warm room.

Vegetative propagation method

The method is rarely used. Datura can be propagated using cuttings removed. Cut shoots must be rooted in prepared moist soil. You can not use phytohormones to stimulate rooting. It is enough to create greenhouse conditions with the help of transparent glass.

The length of the branch should be about fifteen centimeters. It is necessary to separate the stalk at the beginning of the autumn period. In winter, you need to keep the young datura indoors. After the retreat of cold snaps, you can plant a seedling in the ground.

Why datura does not bloom

Often, after acquiring a rooted cutting, inflorescences do not form. The reason is overgrown seedlings. A small shipping container slows down the development of datura. It is possible to determine poor-quality seedlings on the basis of the hardness of the trunk.

Arid soil and a high percentage of nitrogen in fertilizers also cause rare and uneven flowering.

When buying, you should pay attention to the thickness of the stem of the seedling.

How to choose dope

It is necessary to purchase planting material from trusted garden representatives. Improper containment conditions can slow down further development culture.

Datura is often confused with Brugsmania. Distinguishing a plant is quite simple. Datura has bell-shaped inflorescences pointing upwards.

A set of Datura Gramophone seeds (20 pieces) can be purchased at a price of 300 rubles. A grown seedling of Datura "Treelike" 30 cm high is estimated at an average of 450 rubles.

Extraordinary power comes from mysterious flowers that bloomed in huge numbers on a beautiful green bush. It is hard to resist not to touch, not to pick white, lilac, cream, pink bells for bouquets. And only ancient legends, myths about the harmful effects of plants on people and animals prevent this desire.

The story of the appearance of a flower on the planet is shrouded in the same mystery. The legends of many peoples contain information about dope grass, moon flower, prickly apples, cocklebur, sorcerer's grass, etc. It is not so important where the first bushes are found amazing plant(America, Mexico, Caspian regions). Its hallucinogenic properties were used by sorcerers, shamans, alchemists, healers, ministers of churches. Now preparations created on the basis of all parts of the plant are widely used by official, folk, homeopathic medicine. Landscape design experts recommend planting Datura to create long-blooming compositions.

Description of the Datura plant

AT natural environment Datura grows near housing, in wastelands, roadsides. The plant is considered a perennial evergreen shrub. In the climate of the middle zone, Datura is grown as an annual. Datura belongs to the common Solanaceae family of the class of dicotyledonous representatives (angiosperms). Its name is associated with a version of the word Datura, meaning "thorny" due to the features of the dope fruit, covered with thorns. The bushes have some differences.

Stem

Upright, hollow, complex triangular shape. Outer side the stem is colored green, allowing a red-violet tint at the base. The height of the stems can be 120 cm. With many years of development of the bush, the lower parts of the stems become woody. Shoots with dark, oblong, alternately arranged leaves are born on the trunks. Each process develops on a petiole.

Leaves

The length of the leaf reaches about 15 cm, the width is about 10 cm. The surface of the leaf is smooth, dense, similar to skin. The lower part of the sheet plate is painted in light shades. A light strip runs along the central vein. On the edges of the sheet are clear teeth. The basal leaves are smaller in size, lanceolate in shape, with a short petiole.

shoots, flowers

Approximately 30-centimeter height of the stem begins to develop the first shoot. Here the stem forks, making room for the appearance of a conical bud, the flower forms in the form of a long cone, gradually turning into a large funnel with a diameter of up to 20 cm. It opens only in dark time days (sometimes in cloudy weather) and lasts one night. The surroundings are filled with an exotic smell. A week later, new flowers appear in the branching places. The number of new flowers is constantly growing. General flowering occurs before the onset of autumn frosts.

Fetus

A spiny box of an oblong shape of a dark green hue. Inside there are 4 compartments filled with kidney-shaped, black seeds about 4 mm long. Each box contains up to 800 seeds, which have an amazing ability to maintain excellent germination for decades. The first fruits appear on the bush in early July. In some varieties of dope, the boxes open when dried, the seeds fall on the garden bed. In order to collect them in time, it is necessary to use protective bags, for example, from gauze.

Root

The branched, taproot is deep in the ground, reliably nourishing the plant. It also has properties valuable for pharmacology.

Species, plant varieties

An unpretentious flower grows well in different climatic conditions. It suits tropical, subtropical, temperate climates. Flower growers know plants with terry, semi-double bells of different shades. According to the classification of botanists, there are 13 types of Datura. The main types are listed below.

Datura ordinary (Datura stramonium)

For the first time this type of dope was described by the famous scientist Carl Linnaeus, giving him latin name, based on the meanings of the Greek words "nightshade" and "insane". Seeds of this species showed 90% germination after 40 years of storage. In Siberia, in the Far East, in the southern regions of Russia, white bells of a plant with a peculiar smell are well known. There are several forms of dope ordinary, including species with purple flowers. Some peoples call it blue datura. The fruits of the plant Datura stramonium Inermis do not have thorns. It is popular with flower lovers.

Indian (Datura innoxia)

An ancient magical means for lulling, inducing hallucinations, visions, used by the Indians of Colombia, Mexico. The gray shade of foliage, white flowers and unusually prickly fruits are inherent in this species. The leaves of the Indian dope do not have teeth along the edges. The flowers are large compared to Datura ordinary, which allows it to be planted as an ornamental shrub.

Indian (Datura metel )

In Asian countries, especially in India, this flower is endowed with divine power, special magical properties. Purple bluebells are often referred to as the flower of Shiva. It is believed that a plant planted next to a dwelling protects its owners from troubles and brings good luck to the house. There are many hybrid forms of the Ballerina variety. Among them are varieties terry varieties with yellow flowers (Yellow Ballerina, Yellow Terry, Yellow Knight). Lilac plant species: Purple Knight, Lilac Terry. Simple snow-white flowers of varieties Medea, Evening aroma, Troubadour are considered popular.

Datura horn-shaped (Datura ceratocaula)

Shamans, Aztec priests communicated with the gods, higher powers, other world with the help of potions prepared from this type of plant, strewn with bells of the original form.

This species is now separated into a separate genus. Often on sale, plant seeds are offered under the name datura. Their difference is flowers hanging down to the ground. Datura's bells look up. The fruits of all types of Brugmansia do not have thorns, thorns. A perennial tree plant has differences in agrotechnical cultivation and care.

Planting a plant in the ground

The poisonous properties of the plant require careful selection of the planting site. You can not place dope on flower beds located next to playgrounds. Beautiful flowers will not be left without their curious attention.

Datura grows on any type of soil, but preferably with a neutral and slightly alkaline reaction. Lime treatment helps to get rid of excess acidity, dolomite flour. The land should be fertile, loose. The landing pit must be made at least 70 cm deep with drainage. In early June, prepared seedlings are planted. At the same time, they try not to disturb the earthen ball that supports easily injured roots.

Experts advise not to bury seedlings. The distance between plants is about 80 cm.

In close plantings, dope develops worse. The adult bush of the plant occupies a large space, covering the places with faded spring perennials (tulips, daffodils, hyacinths). It looks good both in single and in group plantings. If you place dope on compost heap, then it will look like a flowering flower bed.

In areas with a cool climate, Datura is often grown in containers, large pots, tubs. In autumn they are transferred to the veranda, greenhouse, balcony, to another room. Continue to grow as a perennial plant.

Landing features

Datura grass is easy to grow from seedlings prepared from seeds or rooted cuttings.

By direct sowing in the ground, Datura is planted in the southern regions. Around the middle of May, the seeds are placed in holes to a depth of 5 cm. Seedlings emerge slowly. Sometimes you have to wait up to 30 days. Thick plantings are thinned out. The first flowers are formed in a month. In order for the mass flowering of datura to begin earlier, it is necessary to use a seedling method of growing. In this case, you must adhere to certain rules.

seed cultivation

By the end of February, dope seeds are soaked for 3 days warm water. Seeds germinate poorly. Therefore, experts advise adding a few drops of a drug that can stimulate growth. On a pre-prepared moistened mixture (2 parts of fertile, weed-treated land, 1 part of sand, 2 parts of rotted organic matter), seeds are laid out, lightly sprinkled with soil. Cover with foil, place in a dimly lit place for a week. The temperature for seed germination is maintained at about 20 degrees. The soil in the container must always be moist.

When seedlings germinate (after about 2 weeks), the containers are transferred to a bright window sill. tender plants ventilate, water. After the opening of 2 true leaves, the seedlings are seated in prepared containers. After reaching a height of about 15 cm, the seedlings are considered ready for transfer to an open bed. It is best to use your own seeds for planting, taken from the strongest flowers on the bush. It is important to remember that seeds hybrid varieties may lose their properties.

cuttings

For cutting cuttings choose strong, matured shoots. They should have approximately 3 knots. The incision of the stem is made under the last node, all the leaves on the handle are cut in half. The stalk placed in the nutrient mixture of the pot is watered, covered with a transparent bag. Remove it after opening the first two leaves (after 10 days). If cuttings are carried out at the end of September, then the seedling develops in the house all winter. With the onset of heat, it is transferred to a permanent place in open ground. The flowering of the plant begins early.

Datura Care

Special care for dope is not required. Flower growers consider datura simple plant. The main requirement is daily watering of plantings. Leaves should not be allowed to wilt on the bushes, this will prevent the development of large bells. Their number will be minimal. Unopened buds may fall off. Datura grows quickly, needs to be fed with mineral and organic fertilizers. Their use is combined with watering, top dressing is carried out weekly.

Datura does not withstand the winter frosts of the middle zone, it freezes out. If a room with a temperature of about 15 degrees is prepared for keeping the plant, then it should be taken into account that in winter it is watered rarely and little. Higher winter temperatures lead to elongation, weakening of shoots, and leaf fall. Winter buds are recommended to be removed. In spring, bushes need proper pruning.

pruning

Need correct pruning associated with the peculiarities of the appearance of ovaries of buds. Beautiful flowers are formed only on young shoots, born in the internodes. Well activates the emergence of new buds removal of faded bells. The forces of the plant will be spent on flowering, and not on the ripening of fruits. The crown of the bush is formed by cutting off old shoots that do not have young branches. At the same time, the lower trunks are not exposed, the bush retains its decorative qualities.

Pests, diseases

In thickened thickets, gray rot develops. Weevils, spider mites, bedbugs, and whiteflies settle on the tops of the bushes. The use of modern insecticidal preparations helps to quickly defeat pests.

Using the advice of experts, you can safely grow ancient magical plant admiring its extraordinary evening beauty. If necessary, a flower from legends comes to the rescue to restore human health.

In contact with