What To Know
- If you’re looking for a unique and rewarding gardening project, learning how to grow apple of peru from seed is a great place to start.
- Once the seedlings have a couple of true leaves, thin them out, leaving the strongest seedling in each pot or cell.
- The apple of peru is a fast-growing plant, and you will likely see your first flowers within a few months of planting.
The Apple of Peru, also known as *Nicandra physalodes*, is a captivating annual with delicate, bell-shaped flowers and unique, papery lanterns that enclose its fruit. This plant, native to Peru, adds a touch of exotic charm to any garden. If you’re looking for a unique and rewarding gardening project, learning how to grow apple of peru from seed is a great place to start.
Gathering the Seeds: The First Step in Your Apple of Peru Journey
The first step in growing apple of peru from seed is to obtain the seeds. You can purchase them online or at a local nursery, or you can gather them yourself from mature plants. To collect seeds from your own plants, wait until the papery lanterns surrounding the fruit have turned brown and dry. Gently remove the lantern and extract the seeds. Allow them to dry completely before storing them in a cool, dry place.
Starting Your Seeds Indoors: A Head Start for Your Apple of Peru
Once you have your seeds, you can start them indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost in your area. This will give your seedlings a head start and ensure they have enough time to grow before the weather warms up.
Here’s how to start your apple of peru seeds indoors:
- Choose the right container: Use seed trays or individual pots with drainage holes.
- Fill the containers with seed-starting mix: This type of soil provides good drainage and aeration for seedlings.
- Sow the seeds: Plant each seed about 1/4 inch deep in the soil.
- Water gently: Moisten the soil thoroughly, but don’t overwater.
- Provide light and warmth: Place the containers in a sunny location or under grow lights. Maintain a temperature of around 70-75°F (21-24°C).
- Keep the soil moist: Water regularly, but avoid letting the soil become soggy.
- Thin seedlings: Once the seedlings have a couple of true leaves, thin them out, leaving the strongest seedling in each pot or cell.
Transplanting Your Apple of Peru Seedlings: From Indoor to Outdoor
Once the threat of frost has passed and the weather has warmed up, it’s time to transplant your apple of peru seedlings outdoors.
Here’s how to transplant your seedlings:
- Choose a sunny spot: Apple of peru thrives in full sun, so select a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Prepare the soil: Loosen the soil and amend it with compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and fertility.
- Dig planting holes: Make holes that are slightly larger than the root ball of your seedlings.
- Gently remove the seedlings: Carefully remove the seedlings from their pots, being careful not to damage the roots.
- Place the seedlings in the holes: Position the seedlings so that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
- Backfill the holes: Fill the holes with soil and gently firm it around the roots.
- Water thoroughly: Water each seedling deeply to settle the soil around the roots.
Caring for Your Apple of Peru: Nurturing Growth and Blooms
Once your apple of peru seedlings are established in their outdoor home, they require relatively minimal care. However, a few key practices will help them thrive and produce an abundance of flowers and fruit.
Here’s how to care for your apple of peru:
- Water regularly: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods.
- Fertilize occasionally: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every few weeks to encourage growth and flowering.
- Deadhead spent flowers: Removing spent blooms will encourage the plant to produce more flowers.
- Watch for pests and diseases: Apple of peru is generally pest and disease resistant, but keep an eye out for any problems.
Enjoying the Fruits of Your Labor: The Beauty of the Apple of Peru
The apple of peru is a fast-growing plant, and you will likely see your first flowers within a few months of planting. The flowers are delicate and bell-shaped, often a pale blue or lavender color. As the flowers fade, they are replaced by the distinctive papery lanterns that enclose the fruit.
The fruit itself is small and round, with a slightly tart, tangy flavor. While it’s not typically eaten fresh, it can be used in jams, jellies, and other preserves.
The End of the Season: A Time for Reflection and Preparation
As the weather cools down in the fall, your apple of peru plant will begin to die back. This is a natural part of its life cycle. You can collect the seeds from the mature fruit and store them for planting next year.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: How long does it take for apple of peru to grow from seed to flower?
A: Apple of peru is a fast-growing plant. From seed to flower, it typically takes about 3-4 months.
Q: Is apple of peru edible?
A: The fruit of the apple of peru is edible, but it has a slightly tart, tangy flavor. It is not typically eaten fresh, but can be used in jams, jellies, and other preserves.
Q: Is apple of peru poisonous to pets?
A: While the apple of peru is not considered poisonous to pets, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and keep your pets away from any plants that they might be tempted to nibble on.
Q: Can I grow apple of peru in a pot?
A: Yes, apple of peru can be grown in a pot. Choose a pot that is at least 12 inches in diameter and has good drainage.
Q: How do I overwinter apple of peru?
A: Apple of peru is an annual, so it will not survive the winter. However, you can collect seeds from the mature fruit and store them for planting the following year.
