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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.).
Growing vibrant, beautiful African Corn Lily flowers takes a bit of work but it’s so rewarding when those colorful blooms burst open! One of the key steps is knowing how to properly fertilize these heavy-feeding plants. Proper fertilization encourages strong growth and spectacular flowers.
In this complete guide we’ll walk through everything you need to know about fertilizing your African Corn Lilies including timing, methods, nutrients, and more. Read on for pro tips that will have your garden bursting with gorgeous African Corn Lily blooms!
Before jumping into fertilization, let’s take a quick look at these stunning flowers. African Corn Lily goes by a few names – it’s also called ixia or wandflower. These tender perennials grow from bulbs and produce abundant blooms in shades of yellow, orange, pink and more.
Native to South Africa, African Corn Lilies thrive in zones 8-11 They love full sun and well-drained, nutrient-rich soil Providing these growing conditions and proper fertilization keeps African Corn Lilies happy!
Understanding the Fertilization Needs of African Corn Lily
African Corn Lilies are heavy feeders, meaning they need plenty of nutrients to fuel growth and flowering. This is especially true during their active growing season in spring and summer.
These plants require a balanced fertilizer, which contains equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Nitrogen promotes lush green growth, phosphorus aids in blooming, and potassium supports overall plant health. A balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer is ideal for African Corn Lilies.
Organic options like compost and manure provide nutrition as well. They also improve soil structure and nutrition in a natural way. Just be sure to use well-composted manure, as fresh manure can burn plants.
Choosing the Right Fertilizer
With so many fertilizer options out there, it can get confusing! Here are some tips for choosing the right fertilizer for your African Corn Lilies:
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Select a slow-release fertilizer – Slow-release fertilizers provide a steady feeding over many weeks or months. This is better than a quick nutrient boost from chemical fertilizers.
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Avoid high-nitrogen formulas – Too much nitrogen leads to excessive foliage at the expense of blooms. Stick to a balanced formula.
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Read the label – Follow package instructions carefully to prevent over-fertilization. More is NOT better!
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Consider organic blends – Natural fertilizers like compost, worm castings and manure enrich soil naturally.
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Consult local garden centers – Speak with experts at your local nursery to find the right products for your climate and soil.
When to Fertilize African Corn Lilies
Timing is key when fertilizing African Corn Lilies! These plants need nutrients during their active growing season to support flowering and growth. Here are some tips on timing:
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Early spring – Fertilize when new growth first emerges in early spring. This fuels root growth and lush foliage.
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Every 4-6 weeks – Fertilize lightly but frequently, every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
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Summer months – Continue fertilizing each month during summer while plants are actively growing and blooming.
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Stop in fall – Discontinue fertilizer as plants enter dormancy in fall and winter.
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Adjust as needed – Increase feeding if plants seem stressed or underfed. Decrease if you notice signs of over-fertilization.
How to Properly Feed Your African Corn Lilies
Once you’ve selected the right fertilizer and know when to apply it, follow these steps for hassle-free feeding:
1. Dilute Liquid Fertilizer
If using a liquid formula, always dilute it thoroughly per product instructions before applying. Don’t pour concentrated fertilizer directly on plants!
2. Spread Granular Fertilizer
For granular fertilizer, scatter it evenly around the base of plants. Avoid direct contact between fertilizer and leaves.
3. Water Deeply
After applying fertilizer, water thoroughly to dissolve granules and bring nutrients down into the soil where roots can absorb them.
4. Reapply Regularly
Reapply fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to maintain a constant nutrient supply during the growing season.
5. Address Deficiencies
Increase feeding frequency if plants seem undersized, leaves are yellowing or flowering is lackluster.
Signs of Over-Fertilization
When it comes to fertilizer, it IS possible to go overboard. Look out for these signs of over-fertilization:
- Burnt or brown leaf tips
- Weak, floppy growth
- Few blooms
- Root damage
- Leaf scorch
If this occurs, immediately flush soil with water to remove excess fertilizer. Hold off on feeding and monitor plant recovery. Resume fertilizing at a reduced rate once plants bounce back.
The Best Fertilizers for African Corn Lilies
Still unsure which fertilizer to choose? Here are some excellent options perfectly suited for African Corn Lilies:
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Espoma Bulb-Tone – Granular fertilizer blends nutrients with beneficial microbes.
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Jobe’s Organics Flower & Bulb Fertilizer – An organic granular formula crafted for bulbs and bloomers.
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FoxFarm Big Bloom Liquid Fertilizer – Highly-rated liquid fertilizer feeds plants fast.
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Dr. Earth Flower Fertilizer – An organic, slow-release pellet fertilizer. Safe for people and pets!
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Miracle-Gro Shake ‘N Feed – Popular water-soluble fertilizer delivers quick nutrition.
Give Your African Corn Lilies a Nutrient Boost!
Now you have all the tools you need to keep your African Corn Lilies well-fed and thriving! Proper fertilization encourages vigorous plants and bountiful blooms you’ll enjoy all season long.
Test out organic and chemical fertilizers to discover which your plants respond to best. Stick to a routine feeding schedule, and increase or reduce the dosage as needed based on your plants’ condition. With a little trial and error, you’ll have your fertilizing technique mastered in no time.
Before you know it, your African Corn Lilies will be the stars of your garden, thanks to their lush foliage and colorful clusters of flowers. So grab that fertilizer and get your plants the nutrient boost they need to put on an eye-catching floral display this year!
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 plant a pot of Ixia (corn lily)
FAQ
When to plant African corn lily bulbs?
When to plant Ixia in Colorado?
How do you plant corn lilies?
What does a corn lily look like?
How to propagate African corn lily?
The propagation of this plant is also done through seeds; however, it might take three years or more for them to bloom. The Ixia flower seeds should be covered with soil once the last spring frost has passed. The African corn lily also propagates naturally through insects and bees.
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.
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 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.