Japanese name: オオセンナリ（大千成） Scientific name:Nicandra physalodes
[Overview]
An annual 30–80 cm tall.
The stem branches well and stands erect.
The leaves are simple and alternate, ovate to oblong, 4–10 cm long, with entire margins or shallowly lobed margins.
The leaves have sparse small spines.
The flowers are borne singly in the leaf axils and form a shallow cup 3 cm across.
The flower color is pale blue to pale reddish purple, with a white center.
The fruit is a dry, spherical berry 1.5 cm across, enclosed by the enlarged calyx.
[History]
It was introduced to Japan in the Edo period.
[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed.
It also spreads readily by self-sown seed.
The optimum germination temperature is 12°C.
It grows well in a sunny, well-drained place and is not particular about soil.
Water thoroughly when the soil surface dries.
Fertilizer is not particularly necessary.
There are no particular pests or diseases.
