How to Germinate Angel's Trumpet Seeds

Angel's trumpets is one common name for Datura metel, a species of flowering shrub cultivated for its large, trumpet-shaped flowers. Although it is technically a perennial species, angel's trumpets is usually grown as an annual plant since it dies back each year after the first hard frost in autumn. The seeds are easy to germinate and grow quickly, producing a significant period of heavy blooming in mid to late summer. However, the seeds must be started indoors approximately one month before the last frost to reliably reach their mature height of 3 feet.

4-inch plastic pots
Coarse sand
Potting soil
Propagation mat

Instructions

- 1
  Fill 4-inch plastic pots with a mixture comprising equal measures coarse sand and potting soil. Leave approximately 1/2 inch of space between the top of the pot and the surface of the soil.
- 2
  Sow two angel's trumpets seeds in each pot. Cover the seeds with a 1/8-inch-thick layer of soil. Firm the soil over the seeds.
- 3
  Pour water into each pot until the top inch is completely saturated. Water the angel's trumpets seeds during germination only when the top of the soil is completely dried out.
- 4
  Place the potted angel's trumpets seeds where they will receive bright light for at least eight hours each day. Find a place with direct sun exposure.
- 5
  Maintain temperatures around 70 F during the germination process either by finding a naturally warm spot or by applying bottom heat with a propagation mat.
- 6
  Watch for germination in three to six weeks. Thin the angel's trumpets seedlings to one per pot as soon as they produce a pair of permanent leaves, these have dark stems and heavily toothed edges.
- 7
  Move the pots outdoors immediately after the first frost. Keep them in a sheltered spot outdoors for one week before transplanting them into a sunny, sandy bed.

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