How to Germinate Brugmansia Seeds
Brugmansia, also referred to as angel trumpet and angel-star, belongs to the Solanaceae (nightshade) family of plants. It is a flowering plant indigenous to South and Central America that grows to between 6 and 15 feet in height. The sweetly scented, trumpet-shaped flowers of brugmansia come in a variety of colors and grow to between 6 and 20 inches long. There are several species of brugmansia, including Brugmansia suaveolens, aurea and versicolor and crosses between them. When planting brugmansia seeds, keep in mind they will not produce the exact same specimen of the brugmansia the seeds were taken from.
Step 1
Remove the rough coating from each of the brugmansia seeds. If the brugmansia seeds are dry, and it is difficult to peel the rough coating off, place the brugmansia seeds into a bowl of water and let them soak for 24 to 36 hours, then peel them.
Step 2
Fill up your growing containers with a sterilized potting or seed raising mix. You can use 3 or 4-inch pots or peat pots. Tamp down the soil in each container until it's firmly packed down. Keep the potting or seed raising mix to within 1/2 inch from the top of the rim in each growing container.
Step 3
Disinfect the brugmansia seeds by either soaking them in a solution of one part bleach mixed with ten parts water for ten to fifteen minutes. Or you can soak them in a solution of 2 cups of water mixed with 1 tbsp. of hydrogen peroxide for ten to fifteen minutes.
- Remove the rough coating from each of the brugmansia seeds.
- Keep the potting or seed raising mix to within 1/2 inch from the top of the rim in each growing container.
Step 4
Plant the brugmansia seeds by placing 2 to 3 in each pot. Press them into the soil using the back of a metal spoon, or a small block of wood. Cover the seeds with a light sprinkling of seed raising or potting mix, no more than 1/8 of an inch.
Step 5
Place the pots into a shallow tray, like a watering tray. To provide the humid environment that promotes quick germination, cover the tray with a clear plastic dome or with plastic wrap.
Step 6
Transfer the tray of pots into a warm sunny location where the temperature will range from 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Or if you have a fluorescent plant light, place the tray 4 to 6 inches away from it for 10 to 12 hours daily.
- Plant the brugmansia seeds by placing 2 to 3 in each pot.
- Transfer the tray of pots into a warm sunny location where the temperature will range from 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 7
Water the pots as needed to keep the soil in the growing containers moist but not sodden. Watch for the brugmansia seeds to start sprouting in approximately three weeks. However, some brugmansia seeds may require as long as three months to sprout.
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References
Tips
- Once seedlings have developed their first or second set of true leaves, they can be replanted in individual containers.
- According to Missourigarden.com, it can take as long as four months to two years before brugmansia grown from seed will bloom.
Warnings
- Use care when handling brugmansia seeds, or parts of the plant since it is regarded as a toxic plant.
Writer Bio
Katelyn Lynn has been writing health and wellness articles since 2007. Her work appears on various websites. Lynn is a certified holistic health practitioner who specializes in orthomolecular medicine and preventative modalities. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in health sciences from TUI University and has extensive experience in botany and horticulture.
