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Nicandra 'Black Pod'
Nicandra 'Black Pod'
Seed Packet

Nicandra 'Black Pod'

Nicandra physalodes
A variation of the classic Shoo-Fly plant that arrived in England from its native Peru in 1759, this lustily growing old-fashioned flower has deep lavender-blue blooms with striping inside. Seedpods like Chinese lanterns varnished in patent leather black develop along the stems and later dry to an aged linen hue, a perfect choice to add interest to sizeable flower arrangements. Cannot ship to OH.
SKU #S1393
$3.50
Details
Approximate Seeds Per Packet
180
Lifecycle
Annual
Annual Hardiness
Hardy Annual
Mature Size
4-5' h x 3-4' w
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Soil
Rich, moist, well-drained
Season
Summer to fall
Color
Blue with white center
Features
Great Cut Flower
Deer Resistant
Attracts Bees
SOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Depth:
1/16"
Sprout Time:
5-15 days
Seed To Bloom:
12-14 weeks
Starting Indoors:
Start in containers 6-8 weeks before last spring frost. Keep at about 55-65°F.
Starting Outdoors:
Direct sow at last frost date.
WHEN TO SET OUTSIDE
In springtime, after all danger of frost has passed.
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
Apple of Peru is celebrated for its swift growth during the summer heat, culminating in a statuesque form with substantial branches studded with white-throated lavender-blue flowers. These exquisite blossoms unfurl around midmorning and gracefully close by midafternoon. As autumn draws near, Nicandra produces decorative inflated seedpods, perfect for harvesting and adding to floral arrangements, whether fresh or dried. These plants excel as hedges or as striking specimens positioned at the rear border of informal cottage gardens. It is also part of Chinese herbal pharmacology. Self-sows abundantly—we recommend cutting before seed capsules degrade in late fall.
Final Spacing:
3'
Water Requirements:
Medium Water Use
Watering Details:
Keep moist but avoid saturated soils. Do not allow soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil pH:
Not particular about soil pH.
Fertilizer:
Mix in several inches of compost into poorer soils before planting.
Diseases & Pests:
No major problems.
When to Cut for Bouquets:
Useful for decorative lanterns on long arching stems
Growing Guides Fall Sowing Hardy Annuals
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