Mandrake plant has some interesting
and potentially scary properties. There are different ways to grow Mandrake plants,
they can be grown from roots or offsets and they can also be started from seed.
Growing mandrake plant from seed can be a little tricky unless you know some important
tips. Keep on reading to learn more on how to propagate mandrake.
Mandrake is actually a member of the
nightshade family and the root is the part that is primarily used. Other parts
of the Mandrake plant are poisonous. Actually it was once used in medicine,
mostly as a pre-surgery anesthesia. Today, it is rarely used because of the
dangers, but it is a fun and interesting plant to grow in your garden. Mandrake
plant propagation actually takes a little time, but once you have a mature
plant, you have a unique piece of medical history. Mandrake plants are actually
a native Mediterranean plant and they prefer temperate conditions. The plant is
hardy to USDA zones six to ten in a full sun situation. Due to the plant’s long
forked roots, the soil for planting should be well loosened and draining to a
depth of at least three feet.
Mandrake is like most other root
crops, they don’t like to be disturbed, so it is best to plant them directly
outside in a prepared bed. If you start the Mandrake plants indoors, transplant
them out and then use a good transplant fertilizer to help them recover. Make
sure the planting bed is rich in organic material and it’s able to hold
moisture but not become boggy.
Growing Mandrake from
Roots
One of the quickest ways to get new Mandrake
plants is from roots. Take the roots from the mature plants that are at least 3
to 4 years old in late winter when the plants are not actively growing. Dig
around the Mandrake plant and then remove the large healthy piece of root. Pack
the soil around the in-ground remainder of the plant, trying not to disturb the
retained root. Take the harvested Mandrake root and then bury it in a prepared
bed or a damp container of sand. Make sure you keep weeds out of the site and also
water enough to keep the top few inches (8 cm.) of the soil moist. In a short period,
the Mandrake root will send out shoots and leaves. Although it won’t be ready
to harvest for several years, but in the meantime you can enjoy its pretty
spring flowers.
Growing mandrake from seed
In their native habitat the mandrake plant seeds
experience cold winters which actually help to force germination. This is
called stratification and will have to be replicated with your seed. Growing
Mandrake plant from seed will not germinate without this cold experience. Store
the mandrake seeds for at least 3 months in the refrigerator prior to planting.
On the other hand, northern gardeners can sow the mandrake seed in prepared
beds in fall. The mandrake seeds will naturally experience the cold. The
mandrake seeds sown indoors will germinate in fourteen days after planting. Make
sure the soil is kept moist and weed free. The biggest pests of this plant may
be snails and slugs snacking on the young rosettes. Just expect the flowers and
berries in the second year. You can harvest the roots when the plants are 4
years old.
Post a Comment