Ixia is a genus of short-lived perennials that gives us a number of ornamental plants referred to as ‘African Corn Lilies’.
They grow from corms (sometimes called bulbs) and might be grown as annuals in the UK or given a protected site in winter to make it through to subsequent years.
Ixias are South African plants which bloom in an interesting variety of colours, producing attractive, star-shaped blooms.
The star-shaped flowers form on wiry stems and make great cut flowers, so they are often used in floral arrangements and for cut flower displays inside the home – as well as looking good in the garden.
Though not necessarily the easiest plants to grow in wetter, cooler regions of the UK, they can potentially be a good choice for the warmest and most arid regions, since these plants appreciate warm and relatively dry conditions.
“The warmest winter locations in the UK also tend to be the wettest, such as on the western coasts,” explains Master Horticulturist Colin Skelly.
“Growing in raised beds on slopes and sandy soils will help Ixia bulbs survive outside in milder regions.”
With its delicate, colorful blooms and sword-shaped foliage African Corn Lily (Ixia species) brings captivating tropical flair to gardens. Propagating these exotic bulbs is rewarding allowing you to expand your collection for free. This comprehensive guide covers proper techniques for propagating African Corn Lily through division, seeds, and offsets.
An Overview of African Corn Lily
Before diving into propagation methods, let’s briefly overview this eye-catching plant African Corn Lily is a tender bulb native to South Africa, where it thrives in grassy highlands. The plants sprout from underground corms to produce elegant blooms on tall, wiry stems above strap-shaped leaves
Thanks to its manageable size and vibrant flowers, African Corn Lily makes an excellent container plant or garden bed accent. With proper propagation and care, you can enjoy these beauties for years to come.
When to Propagate African Corn Lily
To give your new bulbs the best start, propagate African Corn Lily in early spring after the last frost. This allows the young plants time to develop robust root systems and become established before winter arrives.
You can also propagate in fall in mild climates, planting the bulbs 8-10 weeks before the first expected frost. Avoid propagating during the heat of summer when plants are dormant.
Propagation by Division
Dividing mature African Corn Lily bulbs is the fastest and easiest propagation method. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Gather Supplies
Before dividing plants, gather needed tools like a shovel, pruning shears, and containers for transporting divisions.
Select a Mature Plant
Choose a healthy, established African Corn Lily plant that is at least 3-4 years old and not freshly divided. Avoid dividing plants annually.
Water Well
Water the plant deeply 1-2 days before digging it up to divide. This makes removal easier and reduces stress.
Dig Up the Plant
Carefully dig up the entire plant, keeping as much of the root system intact as possible.
Shake Off Excess Soil
Gently loosen any remaining soil clinging to the roots before dividing the plant.
Divide the Bulbs
Using pruners, cut the plant into sections, ensuring each has 3-5 bulbs with roots.
Replant Divisions
Plant the divisions back in the garden or containers, water well and apply mulch.
Dividing mature plants is the quickest way to propagate more African Corn Lilies. Just be careful not to damage the sensitive bulbs and roots.
Propagation by Seeds
Growing African Corn Lily from seeds takes more time and care but creates unique new plants. Follow these tips:
- Allow pods to dry on the plant after flowering, then collect seeds.
- Sow seeds in pots or trays with well-draining seed starting mix.
- Cover seeds lightly and keep moist but not saturated.
- Germination takes 1-2 months at 65-75°F.
- Transplant seedlings when 3-4 inches tall.
While slow growing, seed propagation yields exciting new variations to enjoy!
Propagation by Offsets
Offsets are tiny bulblets that form around the mature bulb. Gently twisting offsets away from the parent plant is an easy propagation method.
Monitor Plants for Offsets
Check African Corn Lily bulbs in early summer for mature offsets. They appear as swelling at the bulb’s base.
Carefully Twist Off Each Offset
Use your fingers to gently twist offsets away from the parent bulb when they are 1/3 the size of the main bulb.
Allow Offsets to Dry Briefly
Let offsets rest in a shady spot for 2-3 days before replanting so any small wounds can heal.
Replant Offsets
Plant offsets in pots or garden beds. Keep soil moist and feed with diluted fertilizer.
Propagating from offsets maintains the parent plant’s traits while increasing your collection.
Caring for New Propagules
Pay close attention to newly propagated African Corn Lilies to ensure strong establishment. Avoid transplant shock by:
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Planting in well-draining soil. Amend heavy garden soil with compost.
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Watering frequently until roots develop but avoiding saturation.
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Providing partial sun protection initially before gradually increasing light.
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Applying balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during active growth.
With attentive early care, your new propagules will flourish, rewarding you with exotic blooms.
Enjoy the Fruits of Propagation
Dividing mature plants, harvesting seeds, and removing offsets are all effective methods for propagating more African Corn Lilies. Take time to select your preferred technique. Before you know it, you’ll have a thriving collection of these tropical beauties.
Propagating African Corn Lily allows you to leverage mature plants for free additions to your garden. You’ll discover the joys of nurturing new exotic blooms from propagules. Follow this guide for propagation success!
How To Grow Ixia
Ixia can be grown in the ground when grown as annuals or potentially as perennials in the very mildest parts of the UK, where frosts are not typically expected.
They can also be grown in containers, which can be a good idea for most growers in the British Isles because it allows for them to be brought indoors or undercover before colder weather arrives.
The bulbs can begin to experience damage when temperatures fall below -2°C.
Winter wet can also be an issue, even sometimes more of an issue than the winter cold, so they must be protected for winter in most areas.
Containers can be moved to a heated area indoors or in a greenhouse.
Corms left in the ground might also, in milder areas, simply be protected with a thick organic mulch in winter or you can lift the corms and store them until the following year.
Ixia needs to be grown in as warm a location as possible in full sun.
They will not thrive or bloom well in a cooler or more shaded spot and need to be sheltered from the wind and cold breezes.
They can be placed in a location with a south, east or west-facing aspect, as long as it is a sheltered and warm spot with full sun.
Ideally, Ixia will be placed in sandy soil that is free-draining or an equally free-draining potting mix in a container.
Drainage is particularly important as the corms have a tendency to rot if growing conditions become waterlogged.
How to plant a pot of Ixia (corn lily)
FAQ
How to propagate a Lily flower?
How to grow a Lily flower from a stem?
Do Ixia bulbs multiply?
How to plant wand flower bulbs?
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.
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.
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.