Tigridia Pavonia ‘Lilacea'

10 Seeds

Tigridia pavonia ‘Lilacea’ (Tiger Flower) is a striking flowering plant known for its colorful, orchid-like blooms. It prefers warm conditions, good sunlight, fertile well-drained soil, and regular moisture during active growth. In the Gulf, especially Kuwait, it is best grown during the cooler and milder part of the year, while protecting young plants from extreme summer heat.

🌱 Best Sowing Time

• Best sowing period: October–January.
• Best period in Kuwait and very hot Gulf areas: November–December.
• Seeds can also be started in February if temperatures remain moderate.
• Avoid: June–August and periods of extreme summer heat.
• Ideal germination temperature: approximately 18–24°C.

🌿 How to Sow the Seeds

1. Use a light, fertile, well-drained seed-starting mix.
2. Sow seeds approximately 0.5 cm deep.
3. Cover lightly with fine growing medium.
4. Water gently with a fine spray.
5. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
6. Place seed trays in a bright location protected from strong afternoon heat.
7. Once seedlings are established and have several true leaves, transplant carefully.
8. Allow approximately 20–30 cm between plants.

⏱ Germination

• Germination may take approximately 2–4 weeks, sometimes longer depending on temperature and seed freshness.
• Keep the growing medium consistently moist during germination.
• Avoid excessive watering.
• Provide bright, indirect or gentle morning light after emergence.

🌱 Growing & Care

• Sunlight: Full morning sun to partial shade.
• In the Gulf, protect plants from intense afternoon sun when temperatures become high.
• Soil: Fertile, loose, rich in organic matter, and well drained.
• Watering: Water regularly during active growth, keeping the soil moderately moist.
• Do not allow the soil to remain saturated.
• Fertilizing: Add compost before planting and use a balanced fertilizer during active growth.
• A flowering fertilizer can be applied when buds begin developing.
• Good airflow helps reduce fungal problems.
• A light mulch layer can help retain moisture and reduce soil temperature.

🌸 Flowering

• Plants grown from seed may take one or more growing seasons to reach strong flowering, depending on growing conditions.
• Individual Tigridia flowers are relatively short-lived, but established plants can produce multiple flowers over the flowering period.
• Remove spent flowers to maintain an attractive appearance.
• Allow foliage to continue growing after flowering so the plant can build energy reserves.

🌡 Gulf Climate Tips

• Autumn sowing is recommended in Kuwait and the hotter Gulf regions.
• Protect young seedlings from hot, dry winds.
• During hot weather, use approximately 30–50% afternoon shade.
• Water preferably in the early morning.
• Drip irrigation is useful for established plants.
• Avoid keeping the soil continuously wet, especially during cooler periods.
• Container-grown plants can be moved to a cooler, partially shaded location during heat waves.