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 their vibrant colors and delicate beauty, African corn lily blooms make stunning cut flowers to display in your home. Learning when and how to harvest these beauties ensures you collect them at their peak for maximum enjoyment. This guide will overview the optimal timing, provide step-by-step techniques, and share helpful tips for successfully harvesting your African corn lily flowers.
Knowing the Best Time to Harvest
Timing is everything when it comes to harvesting African corn lilies at their prime. Here are some guidelines on identifying peak harvest time:
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Harvest in the morning after the dew dries, when flowers are most hydrated.
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Blooms should be fully open and display their full color, but not yet starting to fade.
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Avoid harvesting in rainy or wet weather which can damage the blooms
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For longest vase life, cut blooms before pollen starts shedding from the stamens.
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Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage a continued harvest.
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Different varieties have varying peak seasons, typically spring to early summer.
Getting acquainted with your plants will help pinpoint when your particular African corn lily hits its ideal cutting stage for harvesting.
Helpful Tips to Prep for Harvesting
Taking some preparatory steps will allow your harvesting to go smoothly:
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Have clean buckets or vases ready to hold cut stems.
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Gather sharp pruners, floral scissors, or garden clippers to cut the stems.
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Ensure you have enough vase solutions on hand to properly hydrate and nourish the blooms.
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Know where you plan to display the flowers once cut so they can be cut to optimal lengths.
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Harvest early in the day before heat can cause the blooms to wilt.
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Carefully inspect plants and remove any damaged, diseased or insect-ridden flowers.
Step-by-Step How-To Guide
Follow these simple steps for harvesting your African corn lilies like a pro:
1. Identify Peak Blooms
Walk through your garden beds and inspect flowers to identify ones at their optimal point – fully opened and vibrantly colored. Also look for blooms that are positioned where they can be easily reached.
2. Prepare Your Cutting Tool
Sanitize your cutting tool with rubbing alcohol to prevent spreading disease between plants. Sharpen tools for clean cuts. Clippers or floral scissors work best.
3. Cut the Stem
Hold the stem in one hand near the base of the plant. With your other hand, use the cutting tool to snip the stem at a 45 degree angle.
4. Cut Stem to Desired Length
For maximum water uptake, re-cut the stem underwater to remove air bubbles. Cut to your preferred length based on your display vase.
5. Place in Vase Solutions Immediately
As soon as it’s cut, place the African corn lily stem directly into a prepared vase solution like floral preservative. This hydrates and nourishes the bloom.
6. Display and Enjoy!
Artfully arrange your freshly harvested African corn lily flowers in vases and enjoy their beauty!
Handling Blooms After Cutting
To maximize the post-harvest life of your African corn lily cut flowers, proper care is key:
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Display out of direct sunlight to avoid fading.
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Check water levels often and recut stems every few days.
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Remove any flowers that wilt to prevent spread of decay.
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Consider using flower food to provide nutrients.
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For floral arrangements, re-cut stem ends frequently.
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Remove stamens before they shed pollen.
Follow these guidelines and your cut blooms should last around 5-7 days, or even longer!
Choosing the Best Blooms to Harvest
When harvesting, prioritize selecting African corn lily blooms:
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With no insect damage, decay or discoloration.
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That are fully opened but not overly mature.
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Located on long, sturdy, upright stems.
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Positioned where they can be easily accessed.
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On vigorous, healthy plants that can withstand some cutting.
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Of your favorite colors to highlight in arrangements.
Questions and Answers About Harvesting
Still have questions about successfully harvesting African corn lily flowers from your garden? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
How often can I harvest from each plant?
Harvest no more than 1/3 of the blooms from each plant at a time to avoid stressing it. Allow at least 2-3 weeks before harvesting again.
Do I need to prune the plants after harvesting flowers?
No pruning is required. But regularly deadheading spent blooms encourages more flowering.
Should I use anything to seal the stem after cutting?
Sealing stems is not necessary. Just place into water quickly to maximize water uptake and longevity.
Can I harvest African corn lily seeds for propagation?
Yes, seed pods can be collected once dried on the plant for saving or scattering for new plants.
How do I store extra harvested blooms short-term?
Place freshly cut stems into a bucket of water in a cool location out of direct sun until ready to arrange them.
Harvesting African Corn Lily Flowers for Gorgeous Arrangements
Now that you know when and how to properly harvest African corn lily blooms from your garden, you can enjoy creating spectacular floral arrangements! Follow this guide’s tips on ideal timing, methods, and bloom selection for successfully cutting your own flowers. Soon you’ll have vibrant, long-lasting bouquets and centerpieces made from your homegrown beauties.
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.
Harvest Time on the Flower Farm : Lily Overload
FAQ
What is the vase life of African corn lilies?
How do you harvest Lilly?
How to keep lilies blooming?
When to plant African corn lily bulbs?