Mandrake, Turkmenian (Mandragora turcomanica), packet of 5 dried seeds, organic
$20.00
Family: Nightshade (Solanaceae)
Hardy to Zones 6 to 10
(Turkmenian Mandrake) Perennial. Native to the Kopet Dag mountains of Afghanistan. Extremely rare and possibly extirpated in the wild. 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 fall or spring. Keep crowns in perfect drainage. I plant mine in deep sand mulch on the shady side of rocks. Flower color violet. Flower to 16 inches, giving way to green, apple-like fruits that eventually turn orange and soft before harvest. The smell is exquisite. This dried seed is best sown soon after receipt. Sometimes a 3-week period of soaking in a jar of cold water in the fridge, water frequently changed, followed by sowing in sand under grow lights or in a very warm greenhouse will spur rapid germination. The seed is stimulated by soaking in willow-tip tea or soaking overnight in a 500ppm solution of gibberellic acid. Note from 2020 planting: Seeds soaked in willow tip water for 2 weeks in fridge, then planted in sand under lights, warm, germinated to 100% in 61 days. Method for planting if pre-soaking or gibberellic acid are not used: 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 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. In this case, germination may take as long as 12 months. Oscillating temperatures usually preferred over consistent temperatures. Seedlings and indeed older plants rot back in summer and resprout from beneath the callus in fall or spring. Space plants 3 feet apart
5 seeds per packet, Certified Organically Grown
No refunds or replacements on mandrake seed
In stock
Sathya (verified owner) –
Awesome germ rate for mandrakes
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Richo Cech –
hello sathya, that is very encouraging indeed. i have good ones from that batch, too, and used them to expand the mother patch. they’re doing fine in the late winter sun and light rain. more turko seeds coming soon. r
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Question
otto (verified owner) –
i have some seeds that didnt germinate last spring, do i leave them outside all winter uncovered in the pot theyve been in or do i bring them inside till next year?
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Richo Cech –
i do think leaving them outdoors uncovered is a good option, this can help break dormancy.
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Question
Luis scaiano –
Venden internacional ?
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Richo Cech –
enviamos internacionalmente a países fuera de la UE solamente
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Seamus Black (verified owner) –
It’s great to see the price came down. I was so excited to find these seeds and am looking forward to getting them started. Thank you!
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Richo Cech –
Seamus, Fresh seeds were issued at $50.00/pack due to the extreme rarity. It has now been 60 days since harvest, and the ones we planted right away are just now coming up. The remaining seeds will have taken on dormancy, so we reduced the price a bit. My recommendation–soak for 2 weeks in a jar of water in the fridge to break dormancy, then plant in sand under lights. If you have made willow water, use that to soak the seeds. These are stimulated by GA3. Richo
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Erica –
Hi Richo.. was wondering when you will have more of these? Thank you!
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Richo Cech –
Hi Erica, Great Nature willing, in late summer of 2021. Plants currently in luxurious flower. r
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Erica Reyes –
That’s great to hear! Your garden must be truly magical beyond comprehension! I so look forward to when you have more in stock, goddess willing, and will check back in a few months. I did have another couple questions for you if that’s ok..?
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Richo Cech –
Erica,
The turkmenian mandrake is fruiting heavily this year. I look forward to being able to share more seed and bring the price down. But as they say expectation breeds disappointment so I won’t count my eggs until they make seeds, as it were. richo
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Luis scaiano –
Mandrake turcomanica is the best mandrake .
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