Since the original posting, I found that these plants, under the right conditions, will become a small tree, with a 6"-8" trunk. One grower states that the Giant Potato Tree has spiny-thorns on stems and leaves, and the plant is covered in velvety hairs than can cause itching. Sounds wonderful, doesn't it? If this is true, plus the insect-magnet factor, now I know why they are not very popular, and not offered very often. Logee's has them for sale this season.. I've also read that they are very easy from seed, and will flower within the year from sowing...like a eggplant-on-steroids! : ) I have to say that these plants are not bad looking, and the leaves, though coarse, remind me of an Oak. Maybe the merits will outweigh the demerits...and the flowers are beautiful and scented. I'll give it a try, and toss it if I hate it. Kick in with some cultural info. for this plant. How do I grow this plant well? BronxFigs

There are many good methods for starting seed.At Country Garden we start seed in 3 inch pots using ordinary potting soil.The trick is to be sure the soil stays warm.Some people use heating mats.I just put a worklight under the potting bench. If you have only a few seed you may want to peel the corky outer covering.The only real difference it makes is to slightly speed up germination.This will also show up any hollow seed.We don't bother to peel but we start a lot of seed each year. Keep the potting mix just barely moist.Fresh seed can begin to germinate in a few days though some may take months. Seed Sprout Nursery sells seed....Google for the web address Country Garden sells seed....http://countrygdn.com Brugmansia Growers International gives away free seed to members Here is a link that might be useful: BGI

hello everybody, thanks for all your advice. i had put in an order of 2brugs 1white (temple goddess) pretty name huh :), and 1 yellow (doctor sue) from countrygarden. they will ship them on august 11. then this evening one of my friend told me that she saw brug in one of the nursery in town. so i went out there and take a look, the lady has 3 yellow, white ,and pink in 25 gallons, it even has flowers on it, although the it look more like a light peach than pink. it a versifloreal type. i bought the pink, i want to get some opinions from you guys, since you're pro at this type of plant. should i grow it in a pot or should i put it to the ground? i have alot of shady spot in my yard,with out any sun at all, i also have alot of sunny spot that sun all day. i am living in bakersfield california, and it is zone 8-9. would it die if i put it in sunny spot? i would love to plant it in the front of my house to shown it off.

Hello all but to Bev amd MM well this is tub grown and has been hacked down a bit. I think they are forgiving in growth but a bit fragile I haven't needed to stake but strong winds will mess them around. Nothing as bad as the insects though they are HEAVEN to loopers and grasshoppers and one particular large lady-bird thing which only targets them. Really "Trippy" insects, eh?