Question
Got a Datura plant earlier this year.  I know it is an annual.  There are many spiney seed pods on the plant.  How/when do I get the seeds, how do I store them and how do I start them next spring.

Answer
Hi Carol,
Thanx for your question.  Many daturas are perennial but grow as annuals in areas that are not frost-free.  When I harvest seed, I let the thornapple dry out and turn brown.  It will usually start to split open.  For me, this means it is ripe.  Wear some work gloves and cut the thornapple off of the plant.  Get a dry paper plate and cut the thornapple open with a sharp knife.  Sprinkle the seeds out.  They somewhat resemeble large tomato seeds.  Put them in a jar and seal it or in a plastic bag and seal it and leave them in a dark, cool, dry place.  Next spring, about 10 weeks before the last frost, fill a pot with good potting soil and make sure it is moist but not soggy.  Sprinkle some seed lightly on the top and press into the soil.  Lightly cover with another layer of soil.  I use a thin layer of milled sphagnum moss on top of this to prevent damping off disease (a fungus that kills seedlings caused by high humidity and warmth).  Seal the pot inside a clear plastic baggie and keep it warm (75 degrees F).  I wouldn't leave it in the window unless it is January or February and you live north of the Mason-Dixon line (if in the U.S.).  If the sun is strong enough in your area, you will fry the soil and kill the seeds.  Germination takes place in a couple of weeks and once germination occurs, remove the clear, plastic bag, keep them watered but drained.  After the seedlings are a couple of inches tall, prick them out gently and plant in separate pots.  You'll have to keep your plants under lights during the winter.  Sunlight is unreliable for most of us at that time of year.  I use 40watt, 48in long flourescent shoplights suspended 6-8 inches above the pot.  AFter the last frost, transfer the potted plants outdoors to a shady place where they will be protected from wind, rain, sun, hail, etc. for about 10 days.  AFter that, plant them in direct sunlight.  I hope this helps.
Tom