Lachenalia pallida blue

Lachenalia pallida blue

Family: Hyacinthaceae

Common name: Pale Viooltjie

It is a bulbous perennial that annually grows one or two lanceolate leaves that may become warty. The plant grows to heights from 12 cm to 30 cm. The cream to yellow flowers are produced in an erect raceme on short pedicels. The flowers are cylindrical with brown or green corolla markings. Anthers are not exerted. Blooms appear in late winter to after midspring.

Sowing instructions: Seed is best sown in autumn in deep seed trays or pots in a sterilized medium of equal parts fine compost or loam, and river sand. Sow the seed thinly to prevent overcrowding and fungal infection, and to allow sufficient room for each seedling’s bulb to develop. Cover with a thin layer of sand, and keep moist and shaded. Germination should occur within five weeks.

Locality: Riebeeck-kasteel. Harvest: December 2024