How do you plant Black Mandrake Seeds…?
Monday, June 15th, 2009 at
02:37
Ok, I want to buy black Mandrake seeds and I have to know everything on what to do.( I went to google and got minimal help.) When are you supposed to plant them, what do you do before you plant them, and how do you take care of them? also I need Instructions for Turkmenian Mandrake too. Is mandrake even in season now?, I thought it was too late to plant anything now…(I don't know that much about gardening!)
Filed under: Mandrake
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It sounds like you haven't bought seeds? From what I can see they're not easy to find and they're not cheap. It also sounds like viability of the seeds may be a concern.
Black mandrake: One Seed Pack $5.00
(they also say they offer root pieces, which may be a lot easier)
http://www.bouncingbearbotanicals.com/mandrake-seeds-p-515.html
Turkmenian mandrake can be found on Ebay:
$16.27 for 5 seeds, Buy it Now option.
http://cgi.ebay.com/5-Turkman-or-Turkmenian-Mandrake-M-turcomanica-seeds_W0QQitemZ130146149513QQihZ003QQcategoryZ42215QQcmdZViewItem
A really detailed description of germination and cultivation of black mandrake. The most important thing is that they need colld treatment before they will grow. They also give instructions for growing them from root pieces:
http://www.alchemy-works.com/mandragora_autumnalis.html
It might be easier to just avoid the jiffy peat pots, put them directly into regular pots, give them regular fertilizer etc.
I couldn't find any instructions for the other kind.
As far as timing, it sounds for the black mandrake instructions they suggest starting them inside then moving them out. Since they can't really take frost, this would suggest soaking and sowing them to be small plants by early spring, depending on where you live.
Hope this helps. Good luck!