Geissorhiza Monanthos

5 seeds

How to Seed Geissorhiza monanthos (Satin Flower / Blue Cape Flower)

1. Best Time to Sow (Gulf Region):

   • Sow from October to February, when the weather is cool and mild (around 15–25°C / 59–77°F).

   • Avoid summer sowing (April–September), as excessive heat will prevent germination and damage bulbs or seedlings.

   • In coastal Gulf areas, sowing can begin as early as late September.

2. Seed or Corm Preparation:

   • Geissorhiza is a bulbous plant but can also be grown from seeds.

   • If using seeds, soak them in lukewarm water for 8–12 hours before sowing to improve germination.

   • For corm planting, select firm, healthy corms and remove any damaged ones.

3. Sowing Depth:

   • Sow seeds 0.5–1 cm deep in moist, well-drained soil.

   • For corms, plant 3–5 cm deep, with the pointed tip facing upward.

   • Cover lightly and water gently to moisten the soil.

4. Soil Requirements:

   • Prefers light, sandy, or loamy soil with excellent drainage.

   • Ideal Gulf mix: 40% sandy soil + 30% garden soil + 20% compost + 10% perlite.

   • Avoid compact or waterlogged soil to prevent rotting.

5. Light & Temperature:

   • Germination temperature: 18–22°C (64–72°F).

   • Requires full sun or bright indirect light for healthy growth.

   • In Gulf conditions, provide morning sun and light afternoon shade for seedlings.

6. Germination Time:

   • Seeds germinate in 2–4 weeks under warm, slightly moist conditions.

   • Keep soil consistently moist but never soggy until germination occurs.

7. Transplanting & Spacing:

   • When seedlings or young corms reach 8–10 cm tall, transplant them carefully to pots or garden beds.

   • Space plants 10–15 cm apart for proper air circulation and spreading.

   • Choose a sunny, sheltered location protected from strong winds.

8. Growing Tips for Gulf Climate:

   • Watering: Keep soil moderately moist during active growth (autumn–spring). Once flowering ends, reduce watering and allow plants to enter dormancy in summer.

   • Feeding: Use a balanced fertilizer (NPK 10-10-10) every 4–6 weeks during active growth.

   • Sunlight: Requires at least 6 hours of sunlight daily for strong blooms.

   • Heat Tolerance: Dormant corms tolerate Gulf summer heat well if kept dry and shaded.

   • Blooming: Produces delicate, cup-shaped flowers in shades of violet, blue, and magenta, blooming from late winter to early spring.

   • Maintenance: After flowering, allow foliage to yellow naturally before cutting back. Store corms in a cool, dry place during summer if grown in containers.