Deadly Nightshade 'Belladonna' Seeds (Atropa belladonna) Historic and mysterious with deep purple berries; sacred plant with cautionary medicinal legacy

Minimum: 30+ Seeds

Unlock the Dark Allure of History’s Most Mysterious Plant

Dare to grow what ancient healers once revered and medieval herbalists feared. Deadly Nightshade ‘Belladonna’ is more than just a plant, it’s a living legend. With seductive violet flowers, glossy black berries, and a backstory steeped in medicine, magic, and myth, this heirloom herb draws in seed collectors, daring gardeners, and history-loving herbalists alike. Handle with care, but grow with wonder.

A Botanical Beauty Shrouded in Mystery

This is not your average herb garden filler. Belladonna grows into an elegant, bushy perennial, up to 4 feet tall, with soft, muted green foliage that looks almost velvety in the right light. In mid to late summer, the flowers emerge like hidden gems: dusky purple bells with green-tinged throats, nodding shyly among the leaves. By autumn, they give way to marble-sized berries, black as ink and rich with folklore.

The whole plant hums with historical weight. Belladonna was once used by Renaissance women to dilate pupils (hence “bella donna,” or “beautiful woman”), while traditional healers saw it as a powerful, though dangerous, medicine. Today, it still plays a role in modern pharmaceuticals, though its toxicity means it must be handled with deep respect and clear boundaries. Not for children, pets, or unsupervised use. But in the hands of knowledgeable growers and historians, it’s a treasure.

Uses & Intrigue

• Ornamental: Stunning in a gothic garden, forest-edge bed, or medicinal showcase garden.

• Medicinal history: A cornerstone of old-world apothecaries, still used in pharmaceutical derivatives (by professionals only).

• Pollinator interest: Bees are drawn to its dusky blooms.

• Collector’s delight: A must-have for any seed keeper focused on rare, mythic, or ancient species.

Growing Belladonna at Home: A Gardener’s Guide

Despite its notoriety, Atropa belladonna grows surprisingly well with the right conditions. Treat it like a shade-loving perennial herb and it will reward your patience with drama and elegance.

• Zones: Best for Zones 6–9. In Zone 7 gardens, it overwinters with ease.

• Light: Prefers partial shade to dappled sun—perfect for woodland edges or the north side of a garden bed.

• Soil: Rich, moist, well-drained soil. Add compost or aged leaf mulch for best results.

• Spacing: Allow 2–3 feet per plant. It grows wide and likes its personal space.

• Watering: Regular, deep watering during dry spells. Avoid letting it dry out completely.

• Germination Tips: Seeds need cold stratification to break dormancy. Sow in fall outdoors, or refrigerate moist seeds for 4–6 weeks before sowing indoors.

• Harvest Tips: Do not consume this plant unless you’re a trained herbalist. Grow it for its cultural, ornamental, and educational value.

Important Note: Belladonna is toxic. Do not ingest any part of the plant. Keep away from children and pets.

Rooted in Ritual, Cultivated with Caution

If you’ve ever wanted to grow something that feels ancient, poetic, and just a little dangerous, Belladonna delivers. From seed to flower to gleaming black fruit, it’s a plant that holds your gaze and refuses to be ordinary. Whether you're building an apothecary garden, adding to your collection of rare herb seeds, or just looking for a story-rich plant to grow at home, Deadly Nightshade invites you into its dark, beautiful world.