Lachenalia purpureocaerulea

Lachenalia purpureocaerulea

Family: Hyacinthaceae

Common names: Darling Viooltjie

It has two pustulate leaves and bell shaped white to blue flowers at the base shading to magenta or purple. It is fragrant and the exserted anthers add to the beauty of the plant. The flower in late winter to spring.

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: Darling. Harvest: June 2024