Mandrake
Mandragora officinarumfam. Solanaceae
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. 7450 — Mandragora officinarum
Mandragora officinarumMandragora officinarumMandragora officinarumMandragora officinarumMandragora officinarumMandragora officinarumMandragora officinarumMandragora officinarumMandragora officinarumMandragora officinarumMandragora officinarumMandragora officinarumMandragora officinarumMandragora officinarum
IOverview
Overview
Mandrake (Mandragora officinarum) is a perennial plant native to Italy, Lebanon-Syria, and Yugoslavia. Known for its medicinal properties and occasional use in cooking, it thrives in full sun or partial shade with moist to dry conditions and prefers light sandy or medium soil. This small plant reaches heights of only 0.1 meters and is hardy in zones 6-9. Its edible parts include the fruit, making it a unique addition to gardens where its distinctive features—such as its often misshapen root resembling human forms—can be observed.
Quick answers
What is Mandrake?
Mandrake (Mandragora officinarum) is a perennial plant native to Italy, Lebanon-Syria, and Yugoslavia. Known for its medicinal properties and occasional use in cooking, it thrives in full sun or partial shade with moist to dry conditions and prefers light sandy or medium soil.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Mandrake thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist to dry conditions, with light or medium soil. It is hardy in zones 6-9 and grows as a perennial, reaching heights of about 10 cm. For cultivation, ensure the soil is well-draining but can tolerate some moisture. Propagate through seeds or division. Harvest the edible fruit for use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
6-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.1 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Mandrake for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, low-maintenance approach to growing Mandrake.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, potting soil, containers, and a sunny spot in your garden.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant seeds indoors in late winter for transplanting outdoors after the last frost.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light (sandy) and medium textures. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Start seeds indoors in small pots, keeping the soil moist until germination. Transplant outdoors when weather is warm.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep young plants in a sheltered spot with partial sun and regular watering to avoid drying out.
- 6
Ongoing care
Place Mandrake in full or partial sun, water sparingly, and ensure the soil is well-draining. Monitor for pests.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and stems to maintain plant health but avoid harvesting edible parts as they are not commonly used.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, and neglecting sun exposure are common pitfalls.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The mandrake fruit is edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. It is often prepared in jams or preserves due to its size and texture. Skip the seeds as they are not typically consumed.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
3 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
3 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 3 native
Europe1 region
native (1)Italy
Broader regions
native:Lebanon-Syria, Yugoslavia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Solanaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Solanaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 74500484-8bdd-4cae-9ac0-8f86caf91858
Decision aid
Choosing between Mandrake and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.