Mandrake,
Mandragora officinarum, is a plant
steeped in history and myth. Although care should be taken with it because it
is toxic, growing mandrake can be a fun way to be a part of history. Mandrake
winter care is important to consider, though, before you start growing this
Mediterranean native.
Mandrake Plants and Cold Tolerance
Historical references to mandrake go back as far as the Old
Testament. Many ancient cultures had myths surrounding the plant, including
that it was a lucky talisman and that it was bad luck and a manifestation of
the devil. Its medicinal properties have also been long known, most notably
that it has narcotic effects. Up until medieval times, people still believed
the root, which vaguely resembles the human form, emits a fatal scream when
pulled from the earth.
More practically mandrake is a pretty, low plant with wide
green leaves and delicate flowers. Native to the Mediterranean region, it does
require warmer weather and is not too cold hardy. However, it is a cold weather
plant in its natural environment, thriving best in spring and fall and
disappearing in the heat of summer.
Mandrake cold tolerance is better than you might expect for
a Mediterranean plant, but it is still only hardy to USDA zones 6 through 8. If
you live in these areas, your plants should be fine outside in the winter and
will tolerate frosts.
Growing Mandrake Plants in Winter
For many areas, mandrake winter protection is not necessary,
but if you live in zone colder than those mentioned above, or you have an
unusually cold winter coming, you can bring plants indoors. Only do this if you
have to, though, as mandrake roots do not like to be disturbed.
You’ll also need to be sure to use a pot that is deep
enough, as the taproot can be quite long. Use indoor grow lights; window light
will generally be inadequate.
While mandrake cold tolerance is impressive, if you are
trying to start this plant from seed, cold is necessary. These seeds are cold
germinators, so you have a couple of options: stratify them with wet paper
towels and keep the seeds in the refrigerator for a few weeks, or sow seeds
outside in late fall to early winter. They should germinate over the winter,
but they can still be picky. Don’t expect all seeds to germinate in the first
season.
Mandrake,
Mandragora officinarum, is a plant
steeped in history and myth. Although care should be taken with it because it
is toxic, growing mandrake can be a fun way to be a part of history. Mandrake
winter care is important to consider, though, before you start growing this
Mediterranean native.
Mandrake Plants and Cold Tolerance
Historical references to mandrake go back as far as the Old
Testament. Many ancient cultures had myths surrounding the plant, including
that it was a lucky talisman and that it was bad luck and a manifestation of
the devil. Its medicinal properties have also been long known, most notably
that it has narcotic effects. Up until medieval times, people still believed
the root, which vaguely resembles the human form, emits a fatal scream when
pulled from the earth.
More practically mandrake is a pretty, low plant with wide
green leaves and delicate flowers. Native to the Mediterranean region, it does
require warmer weather and is not too cold hardy. However, it is a cold weather
plant in its natural environment, thriving best in spring and fall and
disappearing in the heat of summer.
Mandrake cold tolerance is better than you might expect for
a Mediterranean plant, but it is still only hardy to USDA zones 6 through 8. If
you live in these areas, your plants should be fine outside in the winter and
will tolerate frosts.
Growing Mandrake Plants in Winter
For many areas, mandrake winter protection is not necessary,
but if you live in zone colder than those mentioned above, or you have an
unusually cold winter coming, you can bring plants indoors. Only do this if you
have to, though, as mandrake roots do not like to be disturbed.
You’ll also need to be sure to use a pot that is deep
enough, as the taproot can be quite long. Use indoor grow lights; window light
will generally be inadequate.
While mandrake cold tolerance is impressive, if you are
trying to start this plant from seed, cold is necessary. These seeds are cold
germinators, so you have a couple of options: stratify them with wet paper
towels and keep the seeds in the refrigerator for a few weeks, or sow seeds
outside in late fall to early winter. They should germinate over the winter,
but they can still be picky. Don’t expect all seeds to germinate in the first
season.