The scientific name of the apple of
Peru plant is Nicandra physalodes and the plant is an interesting specimen. The
apple of Peru plant is native to South America and is a member of the
nightshade family that produces attractive flowers and it can also be used in a
homemade insecticide. Just continue reading to learn more about the apple of
Peru plant.
Information about Apple of Peru Plant
The Apple of Peru plant which is also
known as shoofly plant is a half hardy perennial that’s usually grown as an
annual in USDA zones three through eight. The plant can reach five feet in
height by the end of the summer, and blooms for 2 to 3 months during the
summer. The plant actually produces light purple to blue flowers that grow in a
bell shape. Even though the plant blooms constantly, the flowers only last for
about a day, and the apple of Peru plant only ever has 1 or 2 flowers in bloom
at a time. What is Apple-of-Peru used for? In the southern United State, most people
rub the plant leaves on their skin as a fly repellant and will set it out in a
dish mixed with milk to attract and poison flies, earning it the alternate name
shoofly. In addition to the plant leaves being poisonous to flies, the plant
leaves is also poisonous to humans, and should never be eaten.
Growing Apple of Peru Plants
Are apple of Peru plants invasive? to
some extent. The apple of Peru plants self-seed very easily, and where you have
a single plant one summer, you will have many more the next summer. Make sure
you keep an eye on them and try to collect the big seed pods before they have
time to drop to the ground if you don’t want them to spread too much. Growing apple
of Peru plants is easy. You can start your seeds indoors about 7 to 8 weeks
before the last frost, and then transplant them outside once the temperature in
your area are warm enough to do so. Do Apple-of-Peru seeds need light to
germinate? to some extent. The plants actually like soil that drains well but
will thrive in various types otherwise.
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