Tritonia deusta

5 seeds

How to Seed Tritonia deusta (Flame Flower / Blazing Star)

1. Best Time to Sow (Gulf Region):

   • Sow from October to February, when temperatures range between 15–25°C (59–77°F).

   • Avoid sowing in summer (April–September), as extreme heat and dry air can harm seedlings and bulbs.

   • In mild coastal regions, sowing can begin in late September.

2. Seed or Corm Preparation:

   • Tritonia is usually grown from small corms, but seeds can also be sown.

   • For seeds: soak in lukewarm water for 6–8 hours before planting to soften the seed coat.

   • For corms: check that they are firm and free from mold or damage before planting.

3. Sowing Depth:

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

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

   • Water gently after sowing to settle 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 heavy clay soils or overwatering — waterlogging causes corm rot.

5. Light & Temperature:

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

   • Requires full sun to bloom well.

   • In Gulf regions, provide morning sun with light afternoon shade during early growth to protect young plants.

6. Germination Time:

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

   • Corms sprout in 2–3 weeks once the soil is warm and moist.

7. Transplanting & Spacing:

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

   • Space plants 10–15 cm apart for good air circulation and growth.

   • Choose a sunny, sheltered area for best flowering results.

8. Growing Tips for Gulf Climate:

   • Watering: Keep soil lightly moist during active growth (autumn–spring). Reduce watering after flowering to allow dormancy in summer.

   • Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) once a month during the growing season.

   • Sunlight: Needs 6–8 hours of sunlight daily for vibrant blooms.

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

   • Blooming: Produces clusters of vivid orange, yellow, or salmon-colored flowers with delicate trumpet-shaped petals, blooming from late winter to early spring.

   • Maintenance: After flowering, allow foliage to die back naturally before cutting. Store dry corms in a cool, shaded place until the next season.