Nicandra PHYSALODES 'NIGRA'

Nicandra PHYSALODES 'NIGRA' - Black Apple of Peru, Nicandra physalodes 'Nigra', Shoo-fly plant 'Nigra'.

Nicandra is a genus of annual plants in the family Solanaceae, comprising a single species distributed in South America, primarily in Peru. In cultivation, it is known as an ornamental and industrial plant.

These are erect herbaceous plants with strongly branching shoots, ovate-elliptic leaves with a dentate margin, and showy solitary flowers. They are characterized by rapid growth and resistance to unfavorable conditions.

Flowering continues from July to September. The flowers are large, bell-shaped, with violet or blue petals and a white center, emerging in the leaf axils. The fruits are inflated green berries surrounded by a thin reticulate calyx resembling Physalis. The seeds are small and rounded.

Black Apple of Peru is an ornamental cultivar reaching up to 1.2 m (3.9 ft) in height. The leaves are dark green or violet-green, with incised margins. The inflorescences are solitary, opening in the upper part of the shoots.

The flowers are cup-shaped, dark violet with a metallic sheen and a black star in the center, with the corolla measuring up to 5 cm (2 in) in diameter. After flowering, characteristic bladder-like calyces form, inside which rounded fruits mature with numerous seeds.

Seeds are sown for seedlings in March-April or directly into open ground in May. Sowing depth is about 1 cm (0.4 in). Crops are covered with film until sprouts appear. Germination temperature is 18-22 °C (64-72 °F).

Sprouts appear after 7-10 days. After true leaves emerge, pricking out is carried out. Planting out into open ground occurs after the danger of frost has passed. Flowering begins 2 months after germination.

© Greeniverse. All rights reserved.

Cultivation in open sunny spots is recommended, though growing in partial shade is possible. In shade, flowering weakens and leaf coloration becomes less intense. It tolerates heat and drought well.

During the growing season, a temperature of 20-28 °C (68-82 °F) is maintained. Short-term temperature drops to +5 °C (41 °F) are not critical. Watering is carried out regularly, but without overwatering. Water stagnation is unacceptable. In drought, brief wilting is possible with subsequent recovery.

Loose garden soil with neutral acidity is used. The presence of humus is preferred. Repotting is not required - the plant is grown as an annual. It is important to provide ample space for root system development.

From the start of active growth, fertilizers for ornamental plants are applied every 2-3 weeks. An excess of nitrogen may stimulate foliage growth at the expense of flowering. During bud formation, phosphorus-potassium supplements are beneficial.

Sanitary pruning of wilted flowers and dried shoots is conducted. Propagation is carried out by seeds. To stimulate flowering, pinching shoot tips at the 5-6 leaf stage is possible.