Tritonia squalida

5 seeds

How to Seed Tritonia squalida (Flame Freesia or Montbretia)

1. Best Time to Sow (Gulf Region):

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

   • Avoid sowing during summer (April–September) as extreme heat and dry winds reduce germination and damage seedlings.

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

2. Seed or Corm Preparation:

   • Tritonia is usually grown from corms (bulb-like structures), but seeds can also be used.

   • If sowing seeds, soak them in lukewarm water for 6–8 hours before planting to soften the seed coat.

   • For corm planting, inspect them for firmness and remove any damaged ones before sowing.

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 end facing upward.

   • Cover lightly and water gently to settle the soil.

4. Soil Requirements:

   • Prefers light, sandy, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.

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

   • Avoid heavy clay soils or standing water, as this can rot bulbs and roots.

5. Light & Temperature:

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

   • Requires full sun for strong growth and vibrant blooms.

   • In very hot Gulf areas, provide light afternoon shade to protect young seedlings.

6. Germination Time:

   • Seeds germinate in 14–28 days under warm, lightly moist conditions.

   • Corms begin sprouting within 2–3 weeks when kept in ideal temperatures.

7. Transplanting & Spacing:

   • When seedlings or corms produce 2–3 true leaves, transplant them into larger pots or directly in the garden.

   • Space plants 10–15 cm apart to allow for air circulation and spreading growth.

   • Choose a sunny, sheltered location for best flowering.

8. Growing Tips for Gulf Climate:

   • Watering: Water regularly during active growth (autumn to spring). Keep soil slightly moist but not soggy.
     Reduce watering once flowering ends and allow plants to go dormant during the hot summer.

   • Feeding: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once every 4–6 weeks during growth.

   • Light: Full sun promotes compact growth and rich flower color.

   • Heat Tolerance: Tritonia tolerates Gulf warmth in winter and spring but goes dormant in summer; bulbs should be kept dry during dormancy.

   • Blooming: Produces clusters of orange, salmon, or pink trumpet-like flowers on slender stems, blooming from late winter to early spring.

   • Maintenance: Once foliage dies back naturally, you can lift and store corms in a dry, cool place until the next season.