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Geissorhiza radians 

"Wine Cup"

This species goes dormant in the summer, so the seeds are normally planted in autumn, when the heat of summer has past.  You may plant the seeds at other times of the year if you can keep them within the temperature range of 45-75° F (7-23°C).  The seedlings might not go dormant the first summer if grown indoors at this temperature range, which is ok.

Pot size -- I prefer to start the seeds in a single pot, but you may plant them in individual containers.  If you use individual pots, they should be about 2 inches wide and 3 inches tall (5 cm wide, 7.5 cm tall).  In a single pot, the pot should be 3-4 inches tall (7-10 cm) and space the seeds about 1 to 1.5 inches apart (2.5-4 cm).  The pots need drainage holes at the bottom. 

Soil -- Geissorhiza does best in sandy soil.  A good mix is a 1 to 1 ratio of ordinary potting soil and horticultural sand or fine-grade perlite.

Fill the containers almost all the way with the soil mix, and water it so it is evenly moist, but not soggy.  Place the seeds on it, cover with thin layer of sand, and moisten it carefully. 

Ensure that the soil surface doesn't dry out (but don't keep it soggy either).  If you enclose the pot(s) in a plastic container or bag to maintain moisture, leave it open slightly to allow fresh air in.  The seeds sprout best between 60° and 75° F (15-23°C).  If you use a heating mat, check the soil temperature to ensure that it doesn't overheat.

Most of the seeds should sprout within 1 to 2 months, but allow up to 3 months for any slow ones.  Once they sprout, move them into sun, with some protection from strong afternoon sun.  The bulbs are small and not deeply rooted, so keep the top inch (2.5 cm) from drying out.

Long-term care:  Aim to keep the soil evenly moist during the growing season.  When the plants are 3-4 months old, add a small amount of soil to the containers so that the bulbs are a little deeper.

Geissorhiza radians comes from a climate that has mild temperatures during the winter growing season.  From late autumn through mid-spring, it prefers temperatures between 45° and 75°F (7-23° C).  I don't know if it will thrive outside that temperature range, especially if nights are warm.  Protection from frost is essential.

Fertilizer -- Most potting soils contain fertilizer, and if yours does, your seedlings shouldn't need feeding the first 3-4 weeks.  After that, feed every 4-6 weeks with either bulb fertilizer or all-purpose fertilizer, using ¼ to ½ strength of whatever dosage the package recommends.  Remember that young seedlings need very little food, so it's better to give too little than too much fertilizer.

Dormant care -- When the leaves start to die back in the spring, stop the watering and feeding.  During the summer dormancy, keep the soil relatively dry (but not bone-dry).  It's not necessary to dig up the bulbs - simply move the pots to a cool spot until autumn.  In autumn, water lightly, then wait for leaves to appear.  The bulbs can flower in their second or third year.

Have fun growing them!

Jeff

Strange Wonderful Things

 

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