Obtaining Seeds

• Collect datura seeds from a mature plant in late summer. The seedpods grow below the leaves and flowers on the stalk. As the seedpods dry on the plant, they split open, revealing abundant, flat, round, dark-brown seeds. Cut the seedpod from the datura plant and shake the seeds into a jar or paper bag. Store the datura seeds in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight until planting time.
  
  

Sowing Seeds Indoors

• Datura seeds take between three and six weeks to germinate. In cold climates where spring tends to come late, start datura seeds inside in late winter. Plant the seeds 1 inch deep in 4- to 6-inch pots filled with potting compost. Plant three to four seeds in each pot to start with and then, when the seedlings are 2 to 3 inches tall, thin out the weaker plants and leave one remaining healthy plant in each pot. Keep the pots between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit to encourage germination.
  
  

Sowing Seeds Outdoors

• In climates with mild winters and a long, hot growing season, sow datrua seeds directly into a garden bed. Plant datura seeds 1 inch deep and 12 to 15 inches apart in a sunny location. Wait to plant datura seeds in the spring until the soil temperature warms up above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the garden bed free of weeds during germination and all stages of growth to encourage strong, healthy plants.
  
  

Legal Status

• Datura is not currently classified as a controlled substance and is legal to grow in the United States. Individual states may have restrictions on growing datura so check with your local government before planting. Distribution of the plant may also be restricted in your area. A powerful herb, datura is used for its medicinal properties. All parts of the plant have hallucinogenic properties; only use medicinal preparations prepared by a trained herbalist or medical practitioner and keep the plant away from children and animals.