How to grow Datura metel? A detailed guide to the latest planting methods

Datura metel, also called downy thorn apple flower or datura flower, is an annual herbaceous plant of the genus Datura (white-flowered Datura), a toxic plant that is also one of the traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. At present, private cultivation of Datura is prohibited in China, and the same applies to Datura metel. If you want to grow it, you need to complete the relevant national procedures before you can plant it; otherwise it is illegal. Today, the editor will briefly explain the process of growing Datura metel. Let's take a look together.

1. Growing environment

Datura metel generally grows in tropical and subtropical regions. Its seeds can generally sprout and grow at a temperature of about 5°C, and the lowest temperature must not fall below 3°C, otherwise the plants will freeze to death. Secondly, Datura metel is suitable for growing in a warm and humid environment, so the planting site should be a sunny area with loose soil, good drainage and sufficient fertility, and the previous crop must not be a solanaceous plant.

2. Planting techniques

Datura metel is generally grown by seed propagation, and the two most commonly used methods are direct sowing and raising seedlings for transplanting. For direct sowing, this is generally done from the end of March to mid-April, with hole sowing at a row spacing of about 40 to 45 cm and a plant spacing of 30 to 35 cm, sowing about six or seven seeds in each hole. For raising seedlings for transplanting, sowing is generally done in March, and the seedling-raising period is about two to three months, which means transplanting is carried out in May or June.

3. Cultivation management

When the seedlings have grown to about 10 to 15 cm, we need to begin thinning, evening out and filling in the seedlings and establishing them in place. Generally, only two to three robust seedlings need to be kept in each hole, while the rest can be pulled out, and one intertillage and weeding should be carried out, along with one topdressing of manure and urine water to promote seedling growth. The second intertillage should wait until the Datura metel seedlings have grown to about 30 to 35 cm, and it should also be combined with topdressing. In the early stage of Datura metel growth, we mainly use nitrogen fertilizer, while in the later stage it should be used together with phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, applying topdressing scientifically to avoid excessive vegetative growth of branches and leaves.

4. Pest and disease control

The most common disease of Datura metel is black spot disease. It not only affects the branches and leaves of Datura metel, but also causes great harm to its flower buds, fruits and roots. If black spot disease occurs, we need to burn the diseased plants and also disinfect the soil to prevent infection by the pathogen; in the early stage of the disease, we can use Tuzet (thiophanate-methyl) for control. Secondly, we also need to prevent damage to Datura metel from tobacco budworms, green peach aphids and ladybugs, all of which can be controlled with trichlorfon.

The above is the process of growing Datura metel that the editor wants to introduce to you today. Of course, if you want to know about the procedures required for growing Datura metel, you can also leave a message for the editor below.