Black Henbane
Also known as: Hyoscyamus niger · Stinking Nightshade · Hog's Bean
Severely poisonous
When & where
Germination
Spacing & depth
How to plant
Sow seed on the surface of moist mix and press in gently. Keep humidity high until germination. Transplant to a sunny spot with average, well-drained soil. First-year plants form a low rosette; second-year plants shoot up and bloom.
Grower's tip
All parts are highly toxic to humans and livestock. Wear gloves when handling. Historically used as a medicinal herb under strict professional guidance.
Good to know before you grow this
Parts of this plant are toxic to people and pets — don't eat it and keep it away from children and animals.
Soil preferences
Light, well-drained loam. Most culinary herbs suffer in soggy soil.
6.0–7.5 (neutral)
A single fork of finished compost at planting is plenty — over-feeding weakens flavor.
Watering
Consistent moisture while young; let the top inch dry between waterings once established.
Water at the base in the morning to keep leaves dry and prevent mildew.
Overwatered: yellow lower leaves, damp-smelling soil, wilt that doesn't rebound. Underwatered: crispy tips, purple stems, sudden bolting.
Either works — Bottom-water seedlings and potted herbs (set the pot in a tray of water 10–15 min, then drain). Once established, top-water at the soil line. Keep foliage dry on Mediterranean herbs (rosemary, sage, thyme, lavender, oregano) to prevent mildew.
Temperature tolerance
65–85°F (18–29°C) ideal
55–65°F (13–18°C)
Most annual herbs are frost-tender; perennial herbs (sage, thyme, oregano, mint) tolerate frost once established.
Container growing
Yes — great in containers
6–10 in (15–25 cm) wide, minimum 6 in deep
Herbs thrive in pots — group by water needs (Mediterranean herbs on the drier side, basil/parsley/cilantro on the wetter).
Detailed harvesting
Nothing here is harvested for the kitchen. Wear gloves for any cutting or deadheading, keep the sap off your skin and eyes, and wash your hands and tools afterwards.
Post-harvest storage & preservation
Do not dry, store or preserve any part of this plant near food. Bag prunings for the bin — never compost them where animals browse, and never burn them.
Culinary, medicinal & other uses
Ornamental only — this plant is poisonous and has no food, tea or home-remedy use. Grow it for looks, wear gloves, and keep it away from children, pets and livestock.
Medicinal or traditional uses are shared for interest only — this is not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional before using any plant medicinally.
Seed saving
Mostly insect-pollinated; some (basil, mint) self-pollinate.
Isolate different varieties of the same species by 150 ft or cage/bag flower heads to keep strains true.
Let one plant flower fully; harvest brown, dry seed heads into a paper bag; rub free and store dry.
Your zone's planting calendar
Pick your USDA hardiness zone and we'll estimate the key dates for black henbane in your area. These are regional averages — always check your own last-frost forecast before sowing.
My Black Henbane notes
Black Henbane seeds on hand
Track packets and loose seeds you already have. Private to your account.
Par level — leave at 0 for no alert. Anything below par shows on Seed Starting and your shopping list.
Order more seeds
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