How to Grow Datura
Datura stramonium
Datura is a dramatic plant with large trumpet-shaped flowers that open in the evening, releasing an intoxicating fragrance. Grown as an annual in most UK climates, it thrives in full sun with rich, well-drained soil. Plants grow large and bushy (up to 1.5m) in a single season. Sow indoors in spring and plant out after last frost. All parts of the plant are toxic — handle with gloves and keep away from children and pets.
When to Start
Sow indoors 6 weeks before last frost, or direct sow outdoors after frost risk has passed and soil reaches 15°C.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Heavy feeder. Apply a balanced liquid feed weekly from planting out until flowering begins, then switch to high-potash feed fortnightly to support continuous blooming.
- Datura is treated as a half-hardy annual in the UK — it cannot survive frost. Sow seeds indoors in March-April with bottom heat (20-25°C). Seeds can be slow and erratic to germinate — soaking overnight helps. Plant out after all frost risk has passed. Grows rapidly in warm conditions, reaching full size by midsummer. The large trumpet flowers open at dusk and are pollinated by moths. All parts are highly toxic if ingested.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 15°C+
- Germination temperature
- 20–25°C
- Sow indoors
- —
- Transplant out
- —
- First harvest
- —
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 90 cm |
| Row spacing | null cm |
| Sow depth | 0.5 cm |
| Mature height | 150 cm |
| Mature spread | 120 cm |
Pests & Diseases
Pest Whitefly
Identification: Tiny white flying insects on leaf undersides. Leaves become sticky with honeydew and may develop sooty mould
- Introduce Encarsia formosa parasitic wasp under glass
- Spray with fatty acid insecticide, targeting leaf undersides
- Use yellow sticky traps to monitor and reduce numbers
- Spray with a systemic insecticide containing acetamiprid
Pest Red Spider Mite
Identification: Fine webbing on leaf undersides, leaves develop yellow stippling and may drop prematurely
- Mist foliage regularly to raise humidity
- Introduce Phytoseiulus persimilis predatory mite
- Spray with fatty acid insecticide
- Spray with a miticide approved for ornamentals
Pest Aphids
Identification: Clusters of green or black insects on shoot tips and flower buds
- Blast off with water jet
- Spray with fatty acid insecticide
- Encourage natural predators
- Spray with contact insecticide containing deltamethrin
Disease Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus
Symptoms: Bronze or purple ring spots on leaves, distorted growth, wilting despite adequate water
Treatment: No cure. Remove and destroy infected plants immediately to prevent spread
Prevention: Control thrips which spread the virus. Avoid planting near tomatoes and peppers
Disease Grey Mould (Botrytis) Botrytis cinerea
Symptoms: Fuzzy grey mould on flowers and damaged stems, especially in cool damp weather
Treatment: Remove affected parts promptly. Improve air circulation
Prevention: Avoid overcrowding, remove spent flowers promptly, water at soil level
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 15°C |
| Germination temperature | 20–25°C |
| Base growth temperature | 10°C |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | day neutral |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Datura?
- Plant Datura 90cm apart with nullcm between rows.
- When does Datura flower?
- Datura typically flowers approximately 70 days after transplanting.
- Is Datura frost hardy?
- Datura is classified as Half Hardy.
