Hyoscyamus Niger

Description

In its first year this plant produces an attractive symmetrical, jagged-leafed rosette. The following spring, branching stems arise, holding thick fleshy leaves. Bizarrely attractive, purple-throated, creamy-yellow funnel-shaped flowers open, all beautifully and intricately netted with deepest purple. But beware, the smell of the flowers is supposed to induce giddiness, and in some cultures it is used for ritual and recreational purposes due to its strong hallucinogenic properties. It contains amongst several other drugs, hyoscyamine, hyoscine and scopolamine, and was historically used in combination with other plants, such as mandrake, deadly nightshade, and datura as an anaesthetic potion, as well as for its psychoactive properties in "magic brews." These psychoactive properties include visual hallucinations and a sensation of flight. The use of henbane by the ancient Greeks was documented by Pliny, and was used to yield oracles by the priestesses of Apollo. So please handle it responsibly!

Sowing Advice

For best results, sow seeds onto a good soil-based compost. Cover the seeds with fine grit or compost to approximately their own depth. We recommend germinating at 15 to 20 degrees C. Although they can be sown at any time, these seeds may sometimes wait for spring before emerging, but spring sowing will obviously give them a full season of growth. These plants may flower the first year if planted very early in the season.

Key Facts