Mandrake, officinarum (Mandragora officinarum), packet of 13 seeds, fresh, (undried), packed in moist medium, organic

(14 customer reviews)

$24.95

Family: Nightshade (Solanaceae)

Hardy to Zones 6 to 10

(White Mandrake, Mandragora officinalis) Perennial.  Native to southeastern Europe and the Mediterranean. Rare. 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, dry, in the part-shade.  The plant begins its vegetative cycle in the midwinter, flowers in the spring, fruits, and goes quickly dormant in the summer, then re-sprouts from beneath the callus in late winter.  Keep crowns in perfect drainage.  I plant mine in deep sand mulch on the shady side of rocks. Flower color is lavender.  Flower to 16 inches, giving way to green, apple-like fruits that eventually turn yellowish and soft before harvest.  The smell is exquisite.  Sow seeds as soon as possible upon receipt.  Sow about 1/4 inch deep in sandy, alkaline mix in a flat or preferably in a gallon pot.  Place flat or pot in the shadehouse or in the greenhouse in a relatively cool, shaded area.  Lacking the shadehouse or the greenhouse, you might try a sheltered spot outdoors, or even a germination setup with lights.  Fresh seed germinates at a high rate of germ in 8 months, sometimes faster. Space plants 2 to 3 feet apart.

13 fresh seeds per packet, Certified Organically Grown [USA ONLY, NO INTERNATIONAL SALES]

No replacements on mandrake seed.

NOTE:  We ran four concurrent germ tests with the fresh and newly-dried seed.  The best germination occurred in seed that was left absolutely fresh and undried, merely washed and cleaned, then planted immediately in fast-draining soil in outdoor conditions in our shadehouse.  The germination period was eight months (from July 10 to March 3). 108 seeds were planted, and 76 sprouts were observed.  This is a germ rate of 70.37%.  RAC

 

 

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