Information For Those New To Brugmansias

I have been asked to help a few new folks get started with Brugmansia.


Cuttings:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/683843524653941990/?lp=true

We have found this is the best way to start cuttings as you can watch them grow
and monitor the watering.  You don't want to keep the cutting to wet or dry out
to much.  Yes, you can start them in water.  But word to the w ise, when the nubs
start, it's best to get them into soil for a better plant.  We have found the smaller
plastic bottles work best as a cutting is small and will take off easier if not a lot
of soil.    When one doesn't have space one will find ways to grow what one wants.
Each gardener is different so find the path that works for you.


Starting Seeds:

Brugmansia seeds need a 24 to 48 hours soaking period in warm water, unless they
are fresh seeds.  Fresh seeds have a thinner coat and you can damage the seed inside.
The outside seed coat will turn harder when not fresh so soaking helps to remove the
outer coat.   I tell folks to soak their seeds (karma's cocktail is on teaspoon of rubbing
alcohol per 12 ounce of warm water)  which really helps this process.  We place the
containers of water up on the refrigerator where it's warmer.  If you soak over 24 hours
you may want to change the water if it gets cloudy. 
If you plant fresh seeds direct you will risk damage to the plant if the outer coat get stuck on the
plant and you have to cut it away.   Plant the seeds in small starter pots to start or
small starter cells if starting in flats.  You don't want large pots where they are lost in
the dirt.  Once you get the hang of planting seeds and they grow them, you can try
different methods.  I know some folks will put seeds on damp paper towels in plastic
bags to start but the sooner you can get them into soil, the better off the plant will be.
We here plant the seeds about 1/4 inch deep into the soil.  Lightly water and set in a
warm sunny spot.
You can also use the bottle method above to start your seeds in.
We have a post on what was harvested last year in the lines of seeds, November 18, 2019.
I do have several Brugmansia seeds from 2018 that are mixed in what we grow.

Datura seeds also should be soaked in the same manner but there is no hard coat to peal off.

Current seed listing on these was posted Oct.4, 2018.  Datura seeds have a 30 year shelf life
plus some need to have a cool chill before starting.  They require at least temps in the 70s and
full sunshine!  Min fertilizing if planted in the ground with good soil.   Added to the list  3 seedpods of  D. metal var fastuosa from last year's single plant.  3/1/2020 all our Brugmansia seeds are not planted and coming up!   If you would like a seedling let me know.

You can go back to some of our older posts also to read about this method.  June 19, 2019