Now is the Time.

March to May is the time to buy and plant all those incredible root tubers as we await our winter rains along with a drop in temperature.

There are many indigenous bulbs to choose from so here is a list for your enjoyment.

Chinkerinchees (Ornithogalum spp.)



These elegant spring bulbs with their snow white sprays will still be showing off after other spring bulbs have ceased to flower so plant then toward the end of March and in April,
Plant them in full sun (5cm deep and 10cm apart) among other indigenous plants such as wild garlic (Tulbachia violacea) kingfisher daisies (Felecia ameloides) Namaqualand daisies (Arctotus) to create a stunning indigenous flower garden. Flowering time will be in October and November.

Cape violets (Lachenalia)


There are a variety of new style cultivars with their long flower stems that carry clusters of jewel coloured flowers that range from orange, yellow, red, blue purple, white to soft green. The foliage is attractive with dark red spots.
You can plant them 3cm deep and 5cm apart (flowering June – July) in full sun or light shade from mid April onwards in the garden or pots.
A good tip is to mark where you plant your bulbs so that you do not later disturb them by accident.


Wand flowers ( Ixia)


These fine spray flowered plants are of the large Iris family and apart from Mother Natures wild flowers there are also some attractive hybrids that you can plant.
In their growth season the bulbs push up 60cm long flower stems covered with star shaped flowers in shades of purple, lilac, cream, white, baby pink, orange and green with, in many cases, a dark contrasting colour.
Plant clusters 5cm deep and 5cm apart in full sun and by the by they also are long lasting as cut flowers. Flowering in September and October.


Freesias


These must be among the world’s most popular hothouse cut flowers. These indigenous bulbous plants produce fragrant flowers ranging from snow white, cream, bright red, purple and golden yellow in single colours.
Plant in full sun 5cm deep and 7cm apart if you want short flowers stems or in dappled shade where they will stretch their slender stems and will need some slight support to keep the flower heads erect.
They are also quite at home in window boxes or garden pots so you can place them where everyone can enjoy their fragrance.
And once they have flowered in July through to September they can be carefully lifted and stored until the following season.

Harlequin flowers (Sparaxis)


These are Iris family yet again that look like wand flowers, baboon flowers, blazing stars, wine cups and evening flowers. The Harlequin has been crossed and cloned thoroughly and so you can plant these cheap bulbs with confidence knowing you will receive a long lasting colour explosion in September. Plant them 5cm deep and 7cm apart in full sun.

Many of our indigenous bulbs are to be found in the Western Cape and therefore become active with our winter rains. You can of course simulate this in your garden by watering every four days really well for about forty minutes with a sprinkler.

Although bulbs drink a lot of water they grow naturally in sandy soil with good drainage so remember this when potting by adding lots of compost and even river sand if your soil contains an excess of clay.

A good mulch blanket of compost, bark chips, grass cuttings or even peach pips will ensure that soil temperatures remain constant.

And finally, for a breath taking effect plant large numbers of the same bulbs together rather than small numbers of a wider variety.