How to Grow Mandrake

Mandragora, commonly known as mandrake root, belongs to the nightshade (Solanaceae) family.

This enchanting herbaceous perennial requires cultivation by a devoted gardener. Patience is mandatory when sowing mandrake seeds and providing the ideal climate for them to grow in.

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The many intriguing mythical and medicinal texts that mention Mandragora certainly spark a gardener’s curiosity. Growing a rare plant such as mandrake from seed is rewarding and adds to the allure of cultivation.

Learning more about these mysterious plants will encourage and inspire you to grow them in your garden! Knowledge is not only empowering, but in the case of growing poisonous plants like this particular nightshade, it’s necessary for safety.

This guide will highlight the accepted species of mandrake and we’ll cover propagation and growing tips for home cultivation. Here’s what’s ahead:

Species of the Mandragora genus contain hyoscyamine and scopolamine, which are toxic tropane alkaloids.

If ingested, these powerful alkaloids cause adverse symptoms including blurred vision, dry mouth, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and anaphylaxis. All parts of these plants are poisonous – do not eat them.

Aside from producing these toxins, all species of mandrake share similar traits.

The most striking feature is a forked taproot which may be said to resemble the human body in its form, with a head and torso, and branching arms and legs. These can grow up to four feet long.

The large, green, oval-shaped or elongated, wrinkled leaves grow low to the ground in a rosette that may spread to two feet