Mandrake, Autumn (Mandragora autumnalis), packet of 13 seeds, dried

Family: Nightshade (Solanaceae )

Hardy to Zones 6 to 10.

Herbaceous perennial, native to Southern Europe.  One of the most choice of all true Mandrake species.  Flowers purple to 12 inches tall, giving way to fruits of yellow and orange.  Traditional usage (TWM): fertility, aphrodisiac, a magical totem, relieve pain, promote sleep.  Source of tropane alkaloids–do not ingest.   Plant prefers alkaline pH—deep, sandy soils.  Autumnalis does fine in the dry sun to moist shade, tends to flower in the autumn as opposed to the winter-flowering types.  Flowers are amazing.   Cultivation:  soak the seeds in a jar of clear water in the fridge for a few days before planting. This reawakens them. Sow in SAND in a very warm place or sow under grow lights in the greenhouse and keep the lights on full time until the seeds sprout up through the sand, which usually only takes a week or so. Work up in pots for 2 years before transplanting outdoors.  Space plants 2 feet apart.

13 seeds/pkt, Open Pollinated, Untreated, NO GMO’s