Nicandra physalodes

NICANDRA physalodes
Shoo Fly Plant

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Type:
Perennial

Height: 3-4' (90-120cm)

Flowering Time: Summer

Flower Colour: Blue, white.

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Botanical Classification:

Class:
Angiospermae (Angiosperms)

Subclass: Dicotyledonae (Dicotyledons)

Superorder: Asteridae (Daisy Superorder)

Order: Polemoniales (Jacob's Ladder Order)

Family: Solanaceae (Potato Family)

Genus: Nicandra

Species: physalodes (like Physalis)

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Nicandra physalodes is a fast-growing bushy plant reaching a height of three or four feet. It has large lobed leaves, and large blue flowers with rounded petals and a deep throat, followed by papery seedpods containing a large berry which look similar to the Chinese lanterns which give the plant its Latin name. There are also varieties with mauver or white flowers.
The common name refers to the fact that some people regard the plant as a deterrent to whitefly.
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Harvesting and Growing from Seed:

Seed Pod
The seed pod is a large berry inside the papery calyx.

Seed
The seeds are yellowish brown chips. There are many seeds in a seedpod.

Seedling
The seedling is large and fast-growing. The first true leaves are pointed, often with a dark stem.

Seed sowing and Germination
Spring: Seeds sown outside in spring germinated in 41 days.
Winter: Seeds sown inside in winter germinated in 6 days.

(You can check the meaning of any technical terms new to you in the Botany section of the site)

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	Seed Pod The seed pod is a large berry inside the papery calyx.
	Seed The seeds are yellowish brown chips. There are many seeds in a seedpod.
	Seedling The seedling is large and fast-growing. The first true leaves are pointed, often with a dark stem.
Seed sowing and Germination Spring: Seeds sown outside in spring germinated in 41 days. Winter: Seeds sown inside in winter germinated in 6 days.