Brugmansias do not grow by graveyards and are not pollinated by bats, as some internet sources claim. The huge flowers do give off their literally intoxicating scent at night, when they are pollinated by big, fuzzy bugs called sphinx moths. This particular shrub or small tree grows 6-15 feet outside, smaller in pots. While other brugmansias can have toothed leaves, the edges of suaveolens' leaves are smooth. Flowers are 8-12 inches long and are usually white but can be colored. Brugmansia are toxic, all parts of plant are poisonous if ingested. Top

Hardiness zones 9-11. Brugmansia suaveolens can weather short frosts but thrives best in areas where the temperature rarely drops below freezing. In cold winter areas the container can be brought indoors. Brugmansia suaveolens prefer moist, rich soil. This is a robust and somewhat drought tolerant variety, but for best results provide regular water, especially as it grows, and fertilize every 2-4 weeks during the growing season. Ideally brugmansia likes a moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.

Starting Seeds Indoors: To help with seed germination, do a warm water soak. Fill a thermos (one dedicated to seed germination, not for food!) with hot water (from the tap is fine). Put the seeds in to soak for about 24 hours, changing the water for clean warm water every 6 hours. To speed germination, which can be anywhere from 21 days to over 6 weeks, you can peel or scrape away part of the seed casing, but be careful not to damage the seed embryo. (The seeds will still germinate without this step.)

Fill a seed tray or pots with a rich potting mix--something that will keep moist but will not be clumpy or become waterlogged. These seeds need light, humidity, and heat to germinate. Make a small indentation in your potting medium and press one seed in each. Barely cover with a thin layer of potting mix--don’t bury them too deeply--and gently water (you can use a spray bottle). If you live in a dry area, you can cover the tray with clear plastic to keep the humidity high.

Place the pots or tray on a heating pad set on low or anywhere you have low heat (a propagation mat set at around 70 – 80 degrees F is great). Warm soil improves germination rates and speed. Leave the heat mat under the seed pots until the seedlings germinate, then remove it.

Because Angel’s Trumpet needs light to germinate, put the pots under grow lights or shop lights (up to 18-20 hours/day). You can start them from a sunny windowsill, but this can lead to leggy and/or pale seedlings, which shop lights will prevent.

Keep the seeds moist but don’t let them become waterlogged or they can rot. When the seeds sprout, remove the plastic (if using) and the heat mat. Continue to regularly water and fertilize them every other week with a half-strength solution of liquid fertilizer. Harden plants off before moving outdoors.

Brugmansia can be slow to germinate and start. However, when they do start, they typically grow quite rapidly, so being patient pays off. These seeds normally germinate without any problems.

Starting Seeds Outdoors: Sow your seeds directly into the ground or into garden pots in springtime after the last frosts of the year and let nature do the rest. Top

Brugmansia suaveolens
White Angel's Trumpet
10 seeds $3.75

Uses in Witchcraft & Magick:

Divination
Dreamwork
Baneful Work
Venus Herb

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