Autumn Mandrake (Mandragora autumnalis) seeds
- A famous magical plant with a 'human-like' root. This form blooming in autumn is said to be easier in cultivation than Mandragora officinarum, which blooms in spring.
- Contents: Approx. 10 seeds
- Open-pollinated variety, seed tested regularly
Regular price:
€4.99
Product number: MAN01 GTIN: 4250601202952
Description
A native of southern Europe, the autumn mandrake (Mandragora autumnalis) is a perennial herb with thick tuberous roots. In ancient Egypt, it was very popular as a beer additive, while in Medieval Europe many magical properties were connected to the mandrake, especially its root. If the root form resembled a human being, complete with arms, legs and head, it was considered a death sentence to pull it out of the ground. However, those who possessed such a mandrake root and cared for it could expect great wealth and success according to popular belief.
Both species, Mandragora officinarum and the present autumn mandrake, Mandragora autumnalis, can be grown from seed and planted out in the open land in temperate climates.
The plant is very poisonous and should not be planted in gardens where toddlers play!
Both species, Mandragora officinarum and the present autumn mandrake, Mandragora autumnalis, can be grown from seed and planted out in the open land in temperate climates.
The plant is very poisonous and should not be planted in gardens where toddlers play!
Plant profile
| Lifecycle | Perennial |
|---|---|
| Species | Solanaceae |
| Characteristics | Needs cold to germinate, Poisonous plant |
| Eventual height | 20-60 cm |
| Flower colour | Green, White |
| Flowering months | November, October, September |
| Root system | Deep roots |
Growing instructions
| When to sow outdoors | December, February, January, November, October, September |
|---|---|
| Sowing depth | 0.5 cm, 1 cm |
| Germination temperature | 3-5°C |
| Germination time | 1-3 months |
| Sunlight | Full sun, Shade |
| Planting distance | 40 cm |
| Row spacing | 40 cm |
Sowing and care
Perennial plant with fleshy roots, grows approximately 35 cm high.
Sowing: Preculture. Needs cold to germinate, otherwise easy to handle. Avoid full sunlight.
Cold germination: sow outdoors at the beginning of spring or in autumn. Alternatively you can use artificial stratification, as follows. Mix the seeds with moist sand in a plastic bag. Keep the bag warm and moist (approx. +20°C) for the first 2-4 weeks and then place it in the refrigerator and keep it at a temperature of +5°C for 5-6 weeks. Then remove the plastic bag from the refrigerator and remove the seed and sand mix from the bag. Keep the sand mix at room temperature and check the seeds regularly to see when they germinate. Prick the seedlings into pots and plant them out after the last frosts in mid-May.
Sowing: Preculture. Needs cold to germinate, otherwise easy to handle. Avoid full sunlight.
Cold germination: sow outdoors at the beginning of spring or in autumn. Alternatively you can use artificial stratification, as follows. Mix the seeds with moist sand in a plastic bag. Keep the bag warm and moist (approx. +20°C) for the first 2-4 weeks and then place it in the refrigerator and keep it at a temperature of +5°C for 5-6 weeks. Then remove the plastic bag from the refrigerator and remove the seed and sand mix from the bag. Keep the sand mix at room temperature and check the seeds regularly to see when they germinate. Prick the seedlings into pots and plant them out after the last frosts in mid-May.
Other names
Botanical name: Mandragora autumnalis, M. officinalis, Atropa mandragora
German: Alraunwurzel, Dollwurz, Galgenmännchen, Menschenwurzel, Satansapfel, Springwurz, Wurzelknecht, Zauberwurzel, Erdmännchen, Erdweibchen, Henkerswurzel
English: Autumn mandrake, Mediterranean mandrake, Mandrake
French: Mandragore, Mandragore officinale
Italian: Mandragola autunnale, Mandragola
Reviews
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very good, easy to grow plant.
