Gladiolus venustus

Gladiolus venustus 

Common names: Purple Kalkoentjie.

Native to the dry areas of the winter rainfall parts with flowers that are shades of purple to pink and sometimes dull yellow with yellow markings on the lower half of the lower tepals.

Sowing instructions: 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: Bosjeveld. Harvest: December 2023