How to Grow Datura Plants in your Garden

Gardener's HQ Guide to Growing Trumpet Flower, Floripondio, and Jimsonweed

Although members of the Datura genus are half hardy perennials they are normally grown in the garden as half hardy annuals.

They flower from the end of summer until autumn with trumpet shaped white flowers that are about 20cm long; the foliage is bluey; this makes Datura a very attractive plant.

Some of the common names for Datura include Trumpet flower, Floripondio, Jimsonweed, Angel's trumpet and Horn of plenty.

Datura

Jimsonweed was traditionally used to treat epilepsy and is closely associated with witchcraft (it is a member of the nightshade family).

How to Grow Datura Plants

The seeds of Datura should be sown at a depth of 3 mm (1/10th inch) in a sunny area of the garden that has a moist soil.

They should be sown outdoors after the last frost of spring.

It is probably best to grow Trumpet flowers and other Datura members as seedlings indoors first. The growing process should be started about 10 weeks before they are due to be planted outside in the middle of spring.

Trumpet flowers take about 3 to 6 weeks to germinate at a temperature of about 18 to 20 degrees centigrade.

Once established Trumpet flower should be transplanted at a spacing of about 8 to 9 cm (~3.5 inches).

Datura wrightii
Datura wrightii by Pizzodisevo.

Caring for Datura

If you are growing Datura as a perennial then it is important to keep the soil moist in water.

The plants should make plenty of seeds so just leave in situ, and remove old plants. Or you may prefer to take cuttings from the side shoots of trumpet flowers.

Datura Growing and Care Guide

Common Names: Trumpet Flower, Floripondio, Jimsonweed, Angel's Trumpet, Indian Apple, Horn of Plenty.
Life Cycle: Half hardy perennial usually grown as a half hardy annual by gardeners.
Height: 36 to 78 inches (90 to 200 cm).
Native: Tropic and temperate regions.

Growing Region: Zones 3 to 10. As a perennial in zones 9 and 10.
Flowers: Late summer and autumn.
Flower Details: White, light purple/white. Erect. Long trumpets. Fragrant.
Foliage: Velvety. Veined. Ovate.

Sow Outside: 1/8 inch (3mm). Only in warm areas. Following last frost. Spacing: 40 to 50 inches (100 to 130 cm).
Sow Inside: Germination time: three to seven weeks. Temperature 68°F (20°C). Ten to twelve weeks in advance. Transplant outdoors in the spring when temperatures do not drop below 47°F ( 8°C).

Requirements: Full sunlight. Rich soil. Moist soil. Can spread aggressively, so cut back before seed is set. Propagate: cutting from side shoots in summer.
Family: Solanaceae.
Miscellaneous: Some species of Datura, especially wild Jimsonweed, are very toxic and may have hallucinatory effects. Wear gloves when working with these plants.

Common Questions

How many members does the Datura genus have?

The Datura genus is made up of around nine species.

Do members of Datura make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Yes, some species of Datura, with their large, fragrant flowers, can be attractive additions to a garden. However, they are toxic and should be handled carefully.

Which Datura species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

The most commonly grown Datura species is Datura stramonium (Jimsonweed).

Are members of the Datura plant genus fragrant?

Yes, many species of Datura, such as Datura stramonium, have fragrant flowers, particularly in the evening.

What is the perfect location to grow Datura?

Datura species prefer a sunny location with well-drained soil. They can tolerate some dry conditions.

Is Datura invasive in the USA, if so in which states?

Some species of Datura, including Datura stramonium, are considered invasive in many US states due to their rapid growth and spread.

How do I remove Datura plants from my garden?

Remove Datura plants by uprooting them, ensuring you remove all seeds and roots. Wear gloves as these plants are toxic.

Summary

The Datura genus is a group of flowering plants native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. They are known for their large, trumpet-shaped flowers that open at night, emitting a sweet, intoxicating fragrance, and for their round, spiky seed pods.

Datura plants prefer a sunny location and well-drained soil. They can tolerate some drought but perform best with regular watering. Plant seeds in the spring after the last frost. Note that all parts of Datura are toxic if ingested, and should be grown with caution, especially around children and pets.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Datura plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Flowering Tobacco and Physalis plants.