Description
Gladiolus hirsutus. (Hairy Afrikaner) Cormous geophyte up to 50cm. Leaves 3, occasionally 4, linear to sword-shaped, hairy, mostly 3-8mm wide, often fairly short, the two lower leaves basal. Flowers in 3-6 flowered spike, pink to mauve, occasionally white, lower tepals irregularly streaked with dark color; perianth tube usually 15-25mm long; bracts green or flushed greyish or purple above. Sowing : Seed is sown in autumn, thinly, in deep (min. 10 cm) seed trays, to allow for root development. The soil medium should be well drained, a recommended mix being 2 parts sand : 2 parts compost : 1 part loam or equal parts sand and compost, and the seeds should be planted 3-4 mm deep, covered with clean sand and kept moist and lightly shaded. Locality: Pringle bay. Harvest: November 2022
