Atropa belladonna DEADLY NIGHTSHADE (20 seeds)

Belladonna, also known as Devil's Cherry, is a biennial herbaceous plant from the Solanaceae family. Originating from Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa, this "Beautiful Lady" measures between 1 and 2 meters in height. Deadly nightshade typically grows in forests, undergrowth, and wasteland.

Its unscented flowers are bell-shaped, violet, and appear from June to October. They grow individually or in small groups and measure 2 to 3 cm in length.

The fruits are round, smooth berries that start green and turn glossy black as they ripen. These toxic berries contain a powerful alkaloid called atropine.

Deadly nightshade seeds from Atropa belladonna are small, measuring only 3 millimeters in diameter, round, and black. They are harvested from inside the fruits in October.

The leaves are oval, alternate, and can reach up to 20 cm in length. The foliage is dark green and has a rather unpleasant smell.

- Uses:

History and Botany:

Atropa belladonna is a legendary plant, a pillar of medieval gardens and ancient herbals. Nicknamed "Deadly Nightshade" or "Devil’s Cherry," it is cultivated today by collectors for its taxonomic interest and its imposing silhouette in undergrowth settings. It is a major species of European wild flora that requires significant botanical knowledge.

Safety and Usage:

This plant is strictly ornamental. All parts of the plant are unfit for consumption. It must be planted in enclosed gardens, out of reach of children and animals. It is intended solely for ethnobotanical conservation.

- Germination and Sowing:

• The period for sowing devil's cherry begins in mid-February, as it absolutely requires cold temperatures to germinate properly.
• Sow the seeds in a tray of fine potting soil, covering them with only 1 millimeter of earth.
• Spray water over the top, then stratify them. This can be done naturally by leaving them outside for 2 months in winter, or artificially by placing the tray in the refrigerator for 3 to 6 weeks.
• Afterward, place the tray (if possible) in a greenhouse in a warm, humid spot at a temperature of 20 to 25°C.
• Germination generally begins 15 days to three weeks after the stratification process is complete.

- Substrate and Soil Type:

This perennial grows in soil that is more or less rich in organic matter but, above all, must be well-drained. It is not difficult to grow and adapts to all types of substrates.

- Sunlight and Exposure:

It thrives in slightly shaded areas. However, it requires a very bright location to flower abundantly.

- Watering and Water Needs:

The "Poisonous Lady" is very resistant to drought; it only needs water if the foliage begins to droop. Watering every 3 days is ideal during its growth period. In winter, watering is not necessary as the plant enters its dormant phase.

- Temperature and Hardiness:

This is a very hardy species that grows well in temperatures ranging from 15 to 30°C. In winter, the aerial part dries up, but the rootstock remains alive until the following spring. It withstands heavy frosts down to -15°C.

- Multiplication:

The most effective way to multiply Devil's Cherry is by seeds. It is also possible to propagate it by dividing shoots in early spring.

- Diseases and Pests:

Deadly nightshade is sometimes attacked by snails or slugs. Regarding diseases, the foliage is occasionally subject to powdery mildew.