Ledebouria ovatifolia (100 seeds)

Ledebouria ovatifolia. (100 seeds)

Family: Hyacinthaceae

Common names: flat-leaved African hyacinth.

The small to large, broadly oval leaves may be attractively spotted, unspotted or irregularly blotched, sometimes shiny and highly polished although mostly dull, are appressed tightly to the soil surface. The flower spikes are produced in spring and summer, like many Ledebouria they do not stand erect, but rather lay out along the ground as if they have melted. Numerous wine-red to cerise-pink, small flowers are arranged in a bottle brush-like structure along the flower stalk.

Sowing instructions: Seed should be sown in spring or summer in seed trays filled with a sifted organic loam with some sifted manure and sand added to facilitate good drainage. The seed can be sown on a firmly tamped surface and lightly covered with the same mixture approximately 3 mm deep. The trays should be kept in a bright, warm, well-ventilated position out of direct sunlight, and kept damp for between 2 to 3 weeks until germination has commenced. Once the seedlings have emerged, watering can be reduced and sunlight can be increased. The seedlings only develop their flat leaves after 2 or more years of age. Bulblets can remain in the seedling tray for one year or more and planted out at the beginning of their second or third growing season. Flowering size bulbs can be attained after 3 to 4 years.

Locality: Clarens. Harvest: November 2022