Cardiocrinum giganteum
Hardy Biennial Bulb
- Flowers: Summer
- Position: Sun or part shade
- Soil: Well drained
- Zones: 7, 8, 9
- Height: 8 feet
- Germination: Challenging
- Aftercare: Particular Care Needed
- Ideal for: Border
Description
Spectacular fragrant, trumpet-shaped blooms as many as 50 at a time.
Worth the wait as it can take 3+ years to flower.
Sowing Instructions
| Sowing time: | February to July. |
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| Sowing depth: | 1/16in (1.5mm) |
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Sow in trays, pots, etc of good seed compost in a propagator or warm place to maintain an optimum temperature of 55-60F (13-15C).
Germination can be very slow.
After sowing in a pot of peaty compost, seal in a polythene bag and leave at 55-65F (13-18C) for 2-3 weeks.
Then place in a refrigerator (not freezer) for 3-6 weeks, after which return to recommended germination temperature.
Keep the compost moist at all times.
Growing Instructions
Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots.
Grow on in a cold frame and plant out the following spring into a nursery bed and grow on for 3-4 years before planting into final site 90cm (3ft) apart.
Aftercare Instructions
Prefers to be planted in light shade.
