Veltheimia bracteata (Forest Lily)
A not uncommon bulb plant but it seldom sets seed because just about every plant is an offset and thus not genetically variable for pollination to be very successful. We have managed to raise some seedlings and used the pollen from one to fertilise the flowers of the vegetatively propagated plants.
Bulbs sprout in autumn and grow through winter, flowering in early spring and then dying off for a summer dormancy.
Bulbs can reach 10 cm diameter and are best planted at the surface inpots or tubs which need to be kept frost free over winter. A great bulb to bring inside to a sunny location once the interesting undulating leaves appear and then after flowering remove it to a dry place such as under the eves where it can spend the summer dormant.
Germination
Sow seeds slightly covered in autumn at ambient temperature.
Germination is usually within 2 weeks. Best sow all 6 seeds together and not disturb for the first 18 months. The seedlings can be kept watered through their first summer and once they go dormant they can be pricked out into individual pots or planted together as they seem not to mind being crowded.
6 seeds/packet
Approximate minimum seed count per pack
6 seeds/packet