Apple Of Peru
Nicandra physalodes
- Native to:
- Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Peru
Algirdas (en.wikipedia.org) at Lithuanian Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Solanaceae
- Genus:
- Nicandra
- Species:
- Nicandra physalodes
- USDA Symbol:
- NIPH
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 120 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- blue, violet, white
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Sweetpotato Armyworm (Spodoptera dolichos), tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta), underworld dart (Agrotis subterranea), Yellow-striped armyworm (Spodoptera ornithogalli)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- good drainage required
- Moisture:
- moderate moisture
- Notes:
- native to disturbed areas and roadsides
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 14–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily at 20-25°C with light. Self-sows freely in suitable conditions.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.