Viagra for perky plants

We all know Viagra has many obvious benefits – adding that little bit more sex drive or enabling us to stand to attention when required – but it seems its use stretches further than simply helping us out in the bedroom.

TV gardener David Domoney has revealed he uses the little blue pills in order to make his flowers stand on end for longer periods, suggesting chemicals in the tablets can work wonders for the foliage.

According to the presenter of Channel 5's Garden ER, crushing up the pills and feeding them to flowers – along with water – can result in them standing upright for around one week longer.

He explained Viagra contains nitric oxide, "which slows down the dying process in plants. The same chemical relaxes the muscles in a man's penis, allowing the blood rush which is how Viagra perks things up".

The method seems a little bizarre to me, but I'm sure gardeners won't be complaining – regardless of whether they use the pills for their plants or hold a few back for themselves!

Posted by Mark Wilkins