
Details
Commonly referred to as the shoo-fly plant, this beautiful hardy annual from Peru will look very impressive in your garden or even grown as a large potted plant. It has stunning bell-shaped, bluish-purple flowers with a distinct white throat. The flower becomes lantern-like towards the end of its bloom.
The plant is thought to have insect repellent properties and is reputed to deter whitefly. The genus is named for the Greek poet Nicander. Apple of Peru grows quickly and will begin flowering when it is only 6 inches tall. It will continue to flower as it reaches its full height.
Michigan Seeds and Plants grown on our farm, Renegade Acres, in Howell, MI!
Certified Organic by Oregon Tilth.
Additional Info
Botanical Name | Nicandra physalodes |
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Life Cycle | Annual |
Min. Time to Germinate | 15 Days |
Max. Time to Germinate | 20 Days |
Depth to Sow Seeds | Just Cover; barely cover with soil |
When to Sow | Indoors 4-6 weeks before last spring frost, Outdoors after all danger of spring frost is past |
Growing Height | 36-48 in. (90-120 cm) |
Plant Spacing | 36-48 in. (90-120 cm) |
Hardiness | N/A |
Sun Exposure | Full Sun |
Danger | All parts of plant are poisonous if ingested |
Bloom Color | Cream/Tan, Light Blue, Purple, Violet/Lavender, White/Near White |
Bloom Time | Late Summer/Early Fall, Mid-Summer |
Foliage | Herbaceous |
Other Details | Self-sows freely; deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings next season |
Soil pH Requirements | 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral) |
Propagation Methods | From seed; direct sow after last frost, From seed; sow indoors before last frost |
Seed Collecting | Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds |
Seeds Per Pack | 50 |