How to Feed a Datura

Datura is a species of plant with many subspecies. You can grow Datura in pots or plant them directly in your garden. Proper feeding of a Datura plant is essential for the plant to produce spectacular blooms. The overall health of the plant is dependent on feeding at the proper times. Potted plants require more attention and feeding than those planted directly in the garden. Using organic, environmentally friendly products will produce the healthiest plants and showiest blooms. Feed Datura plants in the spring before bloom and again in the fall.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Measuring spoons
• Bone meal
• Blood meal
• Paper cup
• Fertilizer
• Water
• Fish emulsion
• Spray bottle

1. Check the planter for signs that the Datura may require repotting. Roots coming out of the bottom of the planter and soil pulling away from the sides of the planter are indicators that repotting is required. Repot the Datura prior to feeding if necessary.

2. Combine 1 tbsp. of bone meal and 1 tbsp. of blood meal for each plant in a paper cup.

3. Sprinkle 2 tbsp. of the bone meal and blood meal mixture around the base of each plant. Do this every spring and again in the fall.

4. Mix fertilizer into the top few inches of the soil, taking care not to damage any roots.

5. Water the Datura well. For potted plants, water should run out of the bottom of the planter. If your Datura is planted in your garden, water until puddles start to form around the plants.

6. Mix a solution of 1 to 2 tbsp. of fish emulsion to 1 qt. of water. Pour into a spray bottle that has a mist setting.

7. Set the spray bottle to the mist setting. Spray the Datura with the fish emulsion, taking care to cover all of the leaves completely. Feed with fish emulsion when the first flower buds start to emerge and feed monthly until blooming is finished.

Tips & Warnings

• If salty deposits appear on the soil in potted plants, reduce the number of feedings to once every other month.
• Some people find fish emulsion to have an unpleasant odor. Watering potted plants outdoors will prevent the odors from invading your home.

References

• Datura