PROPAGATING CUTTINGS IN POTTING MIX

SOIL METHOD

Place the unrooted cutting in a pot, filled with quality potting mix. I make my own blend, which is usually a mix of quality commercial potting mix, peat moss (or coir), mushroom compost and a very small quantity of manure. Keep the soil moist, but not overly so, as this risks the cuttings rotting. Little nubs (lenticels) will form in a few weeks, which then turn into roots. I often remove my cuttings after approx 2-3 weeks just to check progress. They are hardy enough that this doesn't bother them, but if you do so, just be gentle, so as not to cause damage to the developing lenticels or roots. 

Do not fertilise, until your cutting has a well established root system and likewise, go very easy on manure if adding to your soil mix. Even on established plants, manure can tend to burn/yellow leaves.

PROPAGATING CUTTINGS IN WATER

WATER METHOD

Place the unrooted cutting in a glass jar and fill with approx 2.5-4cm of water. If your water is chlorinated, allow it to stand overnight before placing your cuttings in the water.  Change the water every 1-2 days. Do not put the jar in direct sunlight. When you see little white nubs (lenticels) form, they are ready to be removed from water and potted up into good quality potting mix. I often wait until they form roots first, before potting up. Be careful not to allow soil to become overly wet, as this is the greatest cause of cuttings rotting. 

Do not fertilise until your cutting has a well established root system.

caring for ROOTED CUTTINGS

POTTING UNTIL ESTABLISHED

For those of you who've purchased rooted cuttings from us, plant your cutting into a pot until established. You can then decide whether to plant out in garden beds, or larger pots.

Customer feedback tells us this will rarely occur, but should your cuttings arrive slightly wilted after their journey in the mail from us to you, particularly in the hotter months of the year, simply pop them in a little water until they pick up, before planting into pots. Don't fertilise cuttings, until they are established plants. Simply keep them well watered, but not overly wet.

facebook group

GARDENING COMMUNITY TIPS & ADVICE

Join our Facebook Group... a friendly, welcoming community of passionate Brugmansia growers, who share photos of their growing successes (and failures), growing tips and advice. One of the most useful aspects of our Facebook group, is that it gives you an opportunity to seek out specific climatic advice, from growers in your part of Australia.

USEFUL LINKS

ONLINE RESEARCH

The internet contains a wealth of valuable information on growing and caring for Brugmansia. A site I regularly reference to build up my own knowledge base, is Brugmansia Growers International. Though it's based in the USA, much of the general information is applicable and if not, certainly adaptable to your climatic conditions.

GERMINATING DATURA SEEDS

DATURA

Datura plants are easily grown from seed. I germinate mine, simply by placing in soil, watering and waiting patiently. It can take several weeks before they germinate. There are other germination processes you might follow... perhaps even try two different processes with a few seeds, to see which derives the best results.

1. Simply sew seeds to a depth of 2 cm in quality, fertile, well draining potting mix. Seeds are best sewn in warmer weather (Spring).

2. Water seeds regularly, taking care not to leave soil overly wet, as this will cause seeds to rot. As with any seed, not all will germinate. 

3. Once established, Datura needs full sun, rich fertile soil that drains well and regular watering. 

GERMINATING Brugmansia SEEDS

BRUGMANSIA

Growing brugmansia from seed, will not produce the exact same plant the seeds were extracted from. There will be some similarities, but the end result will be a unique plant in its own right, which makes growing from seed quite exciting.​ A wonderful reference source on germinating brugmansia from seed can be found on the Brugmansia Growers International website.