Ixias are great favorites on the Southern Pacific coast, where climatic conditions closely approximate their native home in South Africa. There are about 25 sorts found in the Cape of Good Hope area and possibly more.
In California, they have no rivals in popularity among the late Spring-blooming bulbs after the crocuses and freesias have passed. However, comparatively few people attempt their culture in the North.
Perhaps they believe it is impossible to grow them in their northern gardens. This is certainly not the case since I have proved to my complete satisfaction that they have always been a real garden “find” in our cold climate.
Cold Climate No Problem
In all areas where “below zero” spells are rare or of very brief duration, anyone who has the space to spare can grow ixias if they follow my method. In addition, where heavy snow falls can be depended on to last, ambitious gardeners can grow them.
My Method of Planting Ixia Flower Bulbs
I selected a sheltered spot protected from the North and west and made a good-sized coldframe. The soil was a sandy loam of good natural fertility.
Do not incorporate fresh manure into the soil, but some well-rotted compost used sparingly is fine. I plant the Ixias in rows about a foot apart and five inches apart in the row at – a depth of four inches.
If your soil is rather heavy, it is advisable to plant the bulbs in a thin layer of sand. Depending on the season, I plant from early November to late in the month and mulch lightly with several inches of shredded or cut-wheat straw.
Then the frames are put in place with a cleat along the west side of the frame and one along the east end. This prevents the sashes on the frames from being blown away and gives additional protection from searching cold winds in bitter weather.
When the ground freezes, I put about four to six inches of dry oak leaves (previously secured and stored for this purpose) on top of the straw mulch. The frames are mulched heavily outside when the first mulch is added to prevent frost from entering.
Early Spring Ixia Care
Wait until early April when the oak leaves are removed and plenty of air is given, weather permitting. The ixias start growing promptly, and the balance of the mulch is removed in 10 days.
If this is not done promptly, the shoots get drawn and spindly, and the plants never amount to much. The soil is worked lightly as soon as possible, and the sashes are removed whenever a pleasant, warm day appears. Some years I remove the sashes by mid-April, but not until May 1st in a backward season.
Six Weeks of Blooming Ixia
In some instances, the plants bloom by mid-May, and the later ones last until late June. There is a spectacular assortment of colors among the many varieties, which I can especially recommend.
- Ixia azurea is blue with a purple center.
- Bridesmaid, white with a carmine eye
- Giant, pure white, and tall-growing
- Ixia campanulala, bright pink
- Vulcan, scarlet, shaded with orange and of unique value because of its late blooming.
- Venus, carmine in color, unusually good
- Uranus, the best yellow
- Ixia eiridiflora is a very unusual sort in coloration – being light green with a black eye.
- Wonder bears brilliant double pink flowers and is very lasting. The wiry stems and graceful, orchid-like form make them ideal for flower arrangements.
NOTE: Some varieties may no longer be available or outdated.
Digging and Storing Ixia Bulbs
Dig the bulbs, label each kind in late July, and store them in a cool, dry location until early October. Remove the dried tops at digging time.
The small bulbs are separated from the rest, labeled, or put in a general mixture. Depending on the season, these are planted in a well-drained soil six inches deep in late October or early November.
They are mulched heavily to a foot in depth as soon as the ground begins to freeze. The mulch extends to a couple of feet beyond the bed on all sides. In this way, there is minimal possibility that frost will penetrate to the bulbs.
FAQs On How To Grow Ixia Bulbs and Flowers
The Ixia flower, is known as African corn lily or wand flower. The beautiful, delicate, and colorful flowering bulb genus is native to South Africa. Ixias display star-shaped flowers on slender, upright stems from sword-like leaves in a range of colors, including pink, white, yellow, and purple.
Ixia bulbs are easy to grow and care for, making them popular garden and potted choices. Here are some tips on growing and caring for ixia bulbs and flowers:
When To Plant Ixia Bulbs: Planting Time and Location
- Plant ixia bulbs in autumn, between September and November. This allows the bulbs time to establish roots before the winter.
- Choose a location with lots of full sun or bright partial shade. Ixia flowers bloom best in full sun but can tolerate a bit of shade.
- Make sure the location has well-draining soil. Ixia bulbs will rot in waterlogged or soggy soil conditions.
- NOTE: Ixia bulbs are sometimes offered as ‘spring planting’ bulbs for summer blooms.
What Type Of Soil Is Best For Ixias?
- Ixia bulbs prefer fertile, well-draining, and slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
- Add organic material like well-rotted manure or compost to heavy or clay-based soil. Mix in sand or grit to improve drainage.
How To Plant Ixia Bulbs
- Plant Ixia bulbs at a depth of 3″-4″ inches (7.5-10 cm) and space the bulbs about 3″ inches (7.5 cm) apart.
- Place the bulbs with the pointy side facing upwards and the flatter side facing downward.
- After planting, water thoroughly to help the bulbs settle into the soil.
What Are The Watering and Fertilizing Requirements For Ixias?
- Water regularly, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to bulb rot.
- Encourage healthy growth and good flowering by applying a balanced slow-release fertilizer when plants begin to grow.
- Follow the fertilizer’s label instructions for proper application rates.
Is Deadheading and Pruning Ixia Flowers Required?
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms and prevent plants from setting seed. This helps conserve energy for new flower development and bulb growth.
- Cut back the foliage only after it turns yellow and withered. Old leaves help collect energy for the following year’s growth.
Are Ixia Perennials?
- Yes, ixia are perennial plants. They grow from bulbs and return year after year.
- When grown in suitable conditions and with proper care they produce flowers each season.
How Tall Do Ixia Grow?
Ixia plants typically grow to a height of 12″-36″ inches (30-90 cm), depending on the specific variety. They produce slender, upright stems with star-shaped flowers at the top.
How Do You Overwinter Ixias?
In colder climates (USDA zones 7 and below)
- After foliage has died back, dig the bulbs up or mulch heavy in cold winter locations
- Store bulbs in a cool, dry, and dark location until it’s time to replant in autumn.
In milder climates (USDA zones 8 and above)
- Leave Ixia bulbs in the ground over winter
- Apply a layer of mulch to protect the bulbs from freezing temperatures.
How To Propagate Ixias
- Propagate Ixia bulbs dividing and separating the offsets (small, baby bulbs) that form around the parent bulb.
- Separate the offsets carefully and replant them in well-draining soil.
By following these tips and providing proper care, you can grow and enjoy the beauty of ixia flowers in pots or your garden.
40594 – W. Chester Ontario, Canada