Hyoscyamus Niger 20 Seeds - Henbane
Hyoscyamus niger, known as Henbane, is an annual to biennial plant from the nightshade family (Solanaceae). It occurs naturally across temperate Europe, North Africa and Asia, and has naturalised in many other regions. The name Henbane already appears in writing around 1265; some sources trace "hen" back to an old word for death, referring to the plant's toxicity. During the Middle Ages Henbane became linked to herbal medicine and to stories of witchcraft, and parts of the plant were used in folk remedies despite the risks involved.
The plant produces funnel-shaped, yellowish flowers with purple veining, followed by striking, pineapple-shaped seed capsules packed with small, mottled seeds. A single mature plant can produce thousands of seeds, which can remain viable in the soil for years. This pack contains 20 seeds to get you started.
Sowing and growing
Sow the seeds on the surface: they need light to germinate, so avoid burying them deep. Press them gently into moist, well-draining soil and keep the soil evenly moist until germination appears. Stratification isn't required, though a short soak in lukewarm water can speed germination slightly. Once established, Henbane is an easy-going plant: drought tolerant, low on water needs, and it reaches maturity in roughly two to three months, allowing several successive sowings in a single season.
Toxicity and safety
Every part of Henbane, from leaf to root and seed, contains tropane alkaloids such as hyoscyamine, scopolamine and atropine and is toxic if ingested. Always keep the plant and its seeds out of reach of children and pets, and wear gloves when handling it. These seeds are intended for ornamental growing, botanical interest or collecting only, not for consumption.
Storage
Store unused seeds dry and dark at room temperature, preferably in the original packaging, to keep them viable for as long as possible. Other notable species in the exotic seeds range include Blue Lotus seeds and Leonotis Leonorus (Wild Dagga), for anyone looking to expand their collection.
