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If you need a colorful addition to a flower bed that gets hot afternoon sun, you might want to try growing Ixia bulbs. Pronounced Ik-see-uh, the plants are commonly called wand flowers, cornflowers, or African corn lily plants. Ixia wand flower thrives in the hottest and sunniest areas of the garden, producing attractive, sword-shaped foliage and masses of dainty, star-shaped flowers on wiry stems.
When growing Ixia bulbs, which are actually corms, you may be happily surprised to find they are shaped like chocolate kisses. Ixia plant info says to plant the corms 3 to 5 inches (8-13 cm.) deep and 3 inches (8 cm.) apart into fertile, well-draining soil. Southern gardeners should plant them in fall, while those in USDA gardening zones 4 and 5 should plant in spring. Care of wand flowers includes a heavy layer of mulch for fall planted bulbs in zones 6 and 7. A South African native, Ixia plant info indicates African corn lily plants are short-lived perennials and may perform as annuals, not returning after a hard winter. However, Ixia wand flower corms are readily available in garden centers and big box stores and are usually not expensive, so replanting is not much of a chore. Youll find it is worth the effort when the delicate and colorful blooms appear in the garden. The Ixia wand flower blooms in late spring in the south, while the colorful flowers appear in summer in northern areas. When growing Ixia bulbs, you may wish to lift them in fall and store them for the winter. In colder areas, plant wand flowers in large containers and sink them into the ground. When frost approaches, simply lift the pot and store in an area where temperatures remain at 68 to 77 degrees F. (20-25 C.). Damage to the corms starts when outdoor temperatures fall below 28 degrees F. (-2 C.).
African Corn Lily, scientifically known as Ixia, is a gorgeous flowering plant that originates from South Africa. This exotic beauty is cherished for its vibrant colors and unique trumpet-shaped blooms. As an avid gardener, I’m always on the lookout for eye-catching flowers to add intrigue to my landscape. If you also want to cultivate these mesmerizing blooms in your own outdoor space, it’s crucial to learn proper techniques for storing, sowing, and germinating African Corn Lily seeds.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know to successfully grow these dazzling flowers from seed. I’ll share tips on ideal storage conditions, sowing methods, and fostering healthy germination. Follow along as we delve into the exciting world of African Corn Lily cultivation!
Before we dive into seed specifics, let’s briefly overview this captivating plant African Corn Lily, also called African Iris or Wand Flower, belongs to the Ixia genus in the Iridaceae family. There are around 50 species in this genus, mostly native to South Africa
These perennials showcase slender, erect stems reaching 1-3 feet tall The elegant flowers bloom in spring or summer, flaunting hues of blue, orange, red, yellow, and white The blooms have a star shape with six pointy petals. Dark centers provide beautiful contrast. Grass-like leaves accompany the blooms.
Now that we’ve explored the basics, let’s focus on successfully growing African Corn Lily from seeds. Proper storage is the first critical step.
Storing African Corn Lily Seeds for Optimal Viability
To preserve seed viability for successful sowing, proper storage is essential. Here are my top tips for keeping African Corn Lily seeds in peak condition:
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Cool and Dry: Store seeds in a cool, dark place around 40-50°F. Avoid temperature fluctuations. Excess moisture causes rotting.
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Airtight Container: Glass jars or sealed plastic bags maintain dryness. Prevent humidity and pests.
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Label Details: Note harvest date and variety. Track viability over time.
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Ideal Duration: Stored properly, seeds stay viable for 1-3 years.
By providing ideal dry, cool, dark conditions, you can maintain seed quality for extended durations. Now let’s explore sowing for super sprouting!
Sowing African Corn Lily Seeds for Robust Germination
The sowing process lays the foundation for vigorous seedlings. Follow these steps for success:
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Seed Preparation: Consider soaking seeds in water for 24 hours before planting. This softens the seed coating.
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Quality Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix. Add perlite for drainage.
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Planting Depth: Sow seeds 1⁄4 inch deep. Gently firm soil over seeds.
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Moisture: Keep soil consistently moist but not saturated after sowing.
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Sun and Temperature: African Corn Lily thrives in 70-80°F with bright, indirect light.
Proper sowing sets the stage for stellar germination. Now let’s uncover how to get those seeds sprouting!
Germinating African Corn Lily Seeds
Watching those tiny seeds transform into blossoming blooms is magical! Here are tips for smooth sailing through the germination process:
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Patience: Germination takes 2-4 weeks in optimal conditions. Avoid disturbing seeds.
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Ideal Conditions: Maintain warm temperature and even moisture. Mist gently.
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Thinning: Remove weaker seedlings to provide sufficient space for healthy plants.
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Transplanting: Once seedlings have true leaves, transplant into pots or garden.
With attentive care and perfect conditions, you’ll soon enjoy a flourishing crop of African Corn Lily seedlings!
Caring for Your African Corn Lily Plants
Once germinated, a bit of simple care will keep your African Corn Lily thriving:
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Sun: Provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
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Water: Water regularly during growth and blooming. Reduce in fall.
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Soil: Well-draining soil enriched with compost or manure.
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Fertilizer: Apply balanced fertilizer monthly during spring and summer.
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Pests & Disease: Rare problems. Check for aphids, slugs, or powdery mildew.
With attentive watering, ample sunlight, and rich soil, your African Corn Lily will reward you with opulent blooms.
Digging Deeper into African Corn Lily Species and Cultivars
Now that we’ve covered seed specifics, let’s glimpse some of the most popular African Corn Lily species and cultivars grown in gardens:
Captivating Species
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Ixia viridiflora: Pale green flowers with burgundy center
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Ixia maculata: White blooms with dark purple spotting
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Ixia dubia: Brilliant yellow flowers with black center
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Ixia monadelpha: Vibrant red-orange blooms with yellow throat
Dazzling Cultivars
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‘Sunburst’: Yellow petals with red speckles and center
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‘China Blue’: Iridescent periwinkle flowers
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‘Mabel’: Bright magenta blooms with dark eyes
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‘Yellow Frills’: Sunny yellow ruffled petals
With so many varieties, you can create vivid compositions!
Final Tips for Growing African Corn Lily from Seeds
To recap, here are my top tips for cultivating African Corn Lily from seed:
- Store seeds properly in a cool, dry place to maintain viability
- Prepare seed trays with well-draining potting mix and sow at 1⁄4 inch depth
- Provide warm temperatures around 70°F and keep soil evenly moist for germination
- Transplant seedlings once they develop true leaves
- Grow in full sun with rich, well-draining soil and consistent watering
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowering
Follow these guidelines and you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking display! African Corn Lily’s elegant flowers infuse any garden with exotic beauty.
Types of Ixia Wand Flower
Ixia wand flower blooms in a multitude of colors, depending on the cultivar planted.
- Turquoise green blooms with purple to almost black centers, called eyes, bloom on the cultivar Ixia viridiflora.
- Panorama is white with purplish red eyes, while Hogarth features cream-colored blooms with a red-purple center.
- The cultivar Marquette has yellow tips with purple black centers.
Care of Ixia Wand Flowers
Care of wand flowers is simple. Keep the soil moist during periods of growth. Mulch heavily if you have cold winters and do not lift the corms. Companion plants for growing Ixia bulbs may include dianthus, Stokes aster, and spring blooming annuals.
★ How to Collect Lily Seeds (A Complete Step by Step Guide)
FAQ
When to plant African corn lily?
What to do with lily seed pods?
Should I soak Ixia bulbs before planting?
Do Ixia come back every year?
Can You Grow African corn lily outside?
The African corn lily, scientifically known as Ixia, is a captivating plant that adds vibrancy and charm to any garden or indoor space. If you’re growing the plant outdoors, dig up the corms in the fall before the first frost and store them in a cool, dry place.
How do you grow African corn lilies?
African corn lilies are typically grown from corms, which are small, bulb-like structures. Plant the corms in the fall or early spring, about 2 inches deep and 4 inches apart. Cover them with soil and water thoroughly. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, as excessive moisture can cause the corms to rot. 4. Watering and Fertilizing
What is an African corn lily?
The African corn lily, scientifically known as Ixia, is a captivating plant that adds vibrancy and charm to any garden or indoor space. With its striking flowers and easy-care nature, it’s a popular choice among gardening enthusiasts.
How do you care for African corn lilies?
African corn lilies require regular watering, especially during the growing season. Water the plant deeply but infrequently, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. Fertilize the plant every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength. Stop fertilizing in the fall when the plant goes dormant. 5.