Shoo Fly / Apple of Peru - Nicandra Physalodes - Insect Repelling & Ornamental
Quantity: 15+ Seeds
Shoo Fly aka The Apple of Peru, or Nicandra Physalodes, is an annual plant in the solanaceae (nightshade) family. As well as being highly ornamental, its main use is to repel flies, and it does a really good job of it too. The plant produces a compound called "Nicandrenone", and although it's usually synthesized for commercial use, this chemical is often the base to many insecticidal and repellent products. This plant works to repel most kinds of flies, but it also attracts and kills white flies. This is a great plant to grow around a backyard living space, by the compost heap, or wherever flies like to frequent. As a bonus, the beautiful blue flowers attract (but don't kill) beneficial pollinators. The plant grows very quickly to a height of 3 feet, but can take a good pruning, so it can live at any desired size.
All seeds are organic and open pollinated.
Growing Instructions
Nicandra is a very easy plant to grow from seed. It grows so quickly that there's no need to get a head start on the growing season by sowing seeds indoors. Seeds can be directly sown 1/8 - 1/4 inch below the soil surface as soon as all chances of frost have passed; for us here at the farm, this is in early to mid May. The plants can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, and are resistant to drought, flood, pests, and disease. Nicandra prefers to grow in full sun, but can handle partial shade too.