How to Grow Belladonna

There are many reasons to grow belladonna. Some people grow it for the flowers or the fruits while others grow it for landscaping reasons. Whatever the reason it is important to know how poisonous belladonna is to children and even adults. Consider this before planting.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Start seedlings with a paper towel and a plastic bag. Saturate the paper towel and fold the seeds inside. Slide the paper towel into the bag and fold the bag over, but don't seal it; some air needs to get in. This is a cold weather plant and should be sown in the refrigerator. Typically within 4 to 6 weeks the seeds will germinate and can be planted in a pot with sterile potting soil.

2. Buy soil with vermiculite for the best result. This will help nurture the "baby" plant until it is transplanted outside.

3. Place the potted seedling in a sunny spot out of the way so not to cause danger to anyone in the house. If you can see the roots from the bottom of the pot, it is time to plant outside.

4. Plant in a shady spot if you want more foliage or plant in partial sun to get more flowers and berries. Care for the new plants by giving it manure every other week in small amounts. A good measurement is approximately 20 percent of the soil.

5. Prune in early spring and collect berries before they fall to control multiplication. The berries contain the seeds, which can be collected and dried for future use. Though the berries are fatal to humans, birds, squirrels and other critters do not seem to be affected.

6. Break the berries and soak them in water to make collecting the seeds easy. The fruit and seeds will separate for easy drying.