Belladonna (Atropa belladonna var. belladonna)

atropine, which is named after the plant itself. As the name suggests, it is highly toxic, but it is a popular remedy in homeopathic dosage.

The botanical name Belladonna is composed of the Greek goddess of fate "Atropos" and the Italian "belladonna" for beautiful woman, possibly dating back to the legend that women in Italy, for aesthetic reasons, widened their pupils with eyedrops made of belladonna. For this effect, atropine is still used in ophthalmology today.
Caution: The whole plant is very poisonous and is particularly dangerous for children!

200 belladonna seeds

Growing instructions

Perennial, hardy. Loves rich soil and partial shade. Seeds should be stratified, they need exposure to cold. Either sow in autumn or early spring or apply artificial cold treatment.

Mix seeds with a little slightly moistened sand (for example in a plastic ziplock bag) and keep in a refrigerator for 4-6 weeks (never in a freezer!). Alternatively, the seeds can be placed in alcohol briefly (not more than 1 minute!) and then rinsed well. Then sprinkle seed on the substrate and press gently, do not cover with soil, they need light to germinate.