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"Fiesta" Bomarea

Plant your seeds immediately for the best germination rate

» These seeds sprout best if placed in the refrigerator for 8 weeks, after an initial 6 weeks at room temperature. This is to trick the seeds into thinking winter has passed. The tips below explain the process.

First, rinse each seed in water.. being careful not to drop the seeds down the drain!

Use a separate pot for each seed, around 2-3" tall (5-8 cm). For soil, use a mix of 2 parts potting soil and 1 part perlite.  Plant the seeds 1/4" deep (7 mm) and water until evenly moist.  Fill each pot with soil and water it until evenly moist.  Keep the pot in an area that will stay about 65-75 degrees (17-24ºC).  Cooler conditions at night are okay; avoid warmer temperatures. Keep the soil surface moist (but not soggy) either by placing a plastic dome over the pots, or by lightly watering the surface whenever it starts to dry out.  If you enclose the pots in a plastic container, leave it open a crack so fresh air can get in.

After 6 weeks, move the pots into a refrigerator that stays above 37º F (2ºC).  Keep them there for 8 weeks, in a sealed plastic bag.  They probably won't sprout there, but check on them after 3 weeks, just in case. 

After the 8 weeks in the refrigerator, move them back into 65-75 degree temperatures. They should start sprouting 4-8 weeks after removing them from the refrigerator, but allow up to 16 weeks for any slow ones.  Once they sprout give bright light, but shade them from strong afternoon sun.

Transplanting -- Wait at least until the 2nd shoot appears before repotting.  Move it to about a quart-sized pot (1 liter), which will hold it for a few months.  You can then move it to its permanent home - about 5-10 gallons (20-40 liters), or into the ground in suitable areas. 

Repot gently to avoid breaking apart the soil ball.  Water before transplanting, to keep the soil ball together.  Always shade the plant from prolonged sun for a week after transplanting, and don't feed it for 2 weeks.

Soil -- Bomarea likes humus-rich, well-draining soil.  You may use high-quality potting soil mixed with added perlite or pumice rock, for extra drainage.  Use about 2 parts soil to 1 part perlite.  Don't add lime, since Bomarea likes slightly acid soil.

Watering -- Bomarea likes the soil kept evenly moist (but not soggy).  If your tap water is "hard" or high in minerals, i recommend using bottled water or rain water.  If you use a water filter, avoid filters that add sodium to the water, such as some "ion exchange" filters.  

You may use a moisture meter probe, which you can get from most garden and hardware stores for about $5. You simply stick the probe down to the root level and read the dial.  If the dial is about halfway across, it is probably time to water.

Light -- Bomarea likes about a half a day of sun.  It can take more sun in cool, coastal areas.  It should be given some protection from strong afternoon sun, especially in warmer areas.

Climate -- Bomarea is happiest above 40-45 degrees (5ºC).  The roots can take several degrees of frost, but it may kill the leaves.  It's best to protect the plant from all frost.

It warmer climates, don't plant it where heat can collect, like against a sunny wall.  Mulch the plant to keep the roots cool and moist.  Avoid using a black pot, which can overheat the roots. Even better, keep the pot in shade.

Fertilizing --  During periods of active growth, feed every 6 weeks with ordinary, complete fertilizer.  It's normal for a some the older leaves to yellow and die throughout the year, but if it seems excessive, it could be from not enough fertilizer (nitrogen) or under-watering.  Smaller plants do not need that much fertilizer, so be careful not to overfeed them while young.  

Up and away -- Bomarea likes to climb, so give it something to play on, like a trellis, fence, or another plant.  It should ideally be under 1" thick (3 cm), so the shoots can twine around it.  A 6 foot trellis should work, although larger is better if possible.  If the shoots grow too long, wrap them down and around your trellis.  Don't prune the shoots, since the flowers appear from the growing tips.   

The tubers should not be dug up, as this may damage the plant.  The plant can not be propagated by tubers, only by seeds.

Pests to watch for -- Snails and slugs can be a problem in prone areas.  Keep an eye out for other bugs too. 

Feel free to write if you have any questions.

Good growing!

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