Datura metel is a showpiece in any garden, it boasts some of the largest and showiest blooms available on an easy-to-grow annual.
Although some Datura are without fragrance, this particular plant produces flowers with a delicate, slightly spicy aroma that permeates the air at night.
'Double Purple' is dark purple with creamy colour centre. The plant stands up to 150cm (5 ft) ...A most welcome garden sentry!

The recent popularity of the Datura has sparked debate about the differences between them and the Brugmansia. Datura are all annuals or short-lived perennials with no woody growth. Their round, spiny seedpods burst open when ripe, and their blooms face upwards. Brugmansia, grow into woody perennial shrubs or trees in tropical climes. Their blooms dangle downwards, and their longer, narrower, smooth seedpods must be broken open.

An interesting way of remembering the difference between the Datura and Brugmansia Trumpets;-
“Devil's Trumpet look up at heaven, while Angel's Trumpet look down towards hell!”

Sowing: Sow indoors in spring at 22-26°C (70-85°F)
Sow seeds in a well drained compost, “just cover” with 1/8th inch of soil or vermiculite. Do not exclude light, as the seeds need light to germinate. Stand pots in water to soak thoroughly. Cover pots or tray with a plastic lid or seal inside a plastic bag
Seeds may take anything from 7 to 40 days to germinate. Prick out each seedling as it becomes large enough to handle, transplant into 7.5cm (3in) pots or trays. They will grow fast if you keep transplanting them up to larger pots and don't let them get root-bound.
Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 10 to15 days before planting out, space 60cm (24in) apart.

Cultivation:
Grow outdoors in full sun in frost-free area in moist but well-drained soil. Water freely especially in periods of drought. These require pretty much full sun to bloom and do well. - I have found if they are planted in the shade with will have few blooms. Partial sun is acceptable but they will be more 'leggy'. They will bloom in pots if you keep them in the sun and keep moving them up to larger pots as needed. Remove seedpods regularly to encourage further blooms.

Datura is technically a short lived perennial. It is hardy to 7°C (45°F) which means that it can be overwintered in frost free conditions.Cut the plant back to the base before first frosts and keep in a warm sheltered position.

Plant Uses:
Architectural, City/Courtyard Gardens, Patio/Container Plants or Sub-tropical.>