Hyoscyamus niger HENBANE (30 seeds)

Black Henbane, also known as Hyoscyamus niger in Latin, is a biennial herb from the Solanaceae family.
It reaches 60 cm in height and grows rapidly. It is primarily native to Europe, particularly the Mediterranean basin. Its lifespan is 2 to 3 years.

Its large, oblong leaves are distinguished by their deeply cut edges with sharp lobes. They have a grayish-green color and are covered in a down of glandular hairs that make them sticky to the touch. When crushed, they emit a very characteristic fetid and narcotic odor.

The summer flowering features funnel-shaped corollas of a pale yellow or cream hue. What makes them unique is their complex network of dark purplish-purple veins, which converge toward an almost black throat at the center of the flower.

Its fruit is a capsule enclosed and protected by the persistent calyx, which has become rigid and prickly. The uniqueness of this fruit lies in its opening method: at maturity, the top of the capsule detaches like a small circular lid.

Black Henbane seeds are round, rough, small, and gray; they grow in capsules that ripen from September to October.

- Properties:

It is distinguished by its aesthetic appeal and its mysterious appearance steeped in history. It was used by Greek and Roman civilizations for its calming and antispasmodic properties.

This so-called "magical" herb contains numerous alkaloids such as atropine, hyoscyamine, and scopolamine. In Europe, it was used for esoteric and shamanic rituals.

It is appreciated in medieval gardens, wild gardens, or by enthusiasts of ritual plants. Its unique flowering and wild silhouette make it a curious plant that attracts herbalism enthusiasts and botanical collectors.

WARNING: All parts of the plant are toxic. Do not consume; cultivate only for the preservation of the ethnobotanical species.

- Germination, Sowing of Seeds:

• The best period to sow Hyoscyamus niger is from May onwards, as nights are less cool and temperatures are close to 15°C.
• Sprinkle the seeds in a tray of fine potting soil.
• Cover them very lightly with your finger under a few millimeters of soil; be careful not to bury them too deep.
• Place the planting tray in a greenhouse at a temperature of 25 to 30°C.
• Germination takes place between 4 and 6 weeks after sowing.
• Once the seedlings are hardy and measure 5 to 10 cm, transplant them into separate pots or directly into the ground.

- Soil Type:

This nitrophilous plant appreciates nitrogen-rich, deep, and well-drained soils. It thrives particularly in sandy, limestone, or waste-ground soils. A loose substrate allows its taproot to develop correctly, while soil that is too compact or waterlogged can lead to crown rot.

- Exposure:

Black Henbane requires full sun exposure to guarantee vigorous growth and complete flowering. It tolerates light partial shade in the southernmost regions, but intense light is necessary for the development of its active principles.

- Cultivation Temperature:

Hardy in temperate zones, it withstands European winters and cold very well. Its growth is optimal when temperatures fluctuate between 15°C and 20°C. As an annual or biennial plant, it follows a natural seasonal cycle and does not require tropical heat.

- Watering:

Its water needs are moderate. Once well-established, it supports short periods of drought thanks to its deep root. However, regular but not excessive watering is preferable during the initial growth phase and fruit formation. It is imperative to let the soil surface dry between waterings.