Description
This plant comes from southern Africa. It is an interesting bulbous plant, unfortunately not very well known. The best-known species grown in Poland is Galtonia candicans, also called the "summer hyacinth". Galtonia grows up to one metre tall and forms a loose raceme of greenish-white, bell-shaped flowers that open gradually from the bottom upwards. Large, plump bulbs can produce several flower stems.
In summer Galtonia looks wonderful in flower borders. Because of its fairly tall growth it is considered more of a flower for large gardens, but it can also be used successfully in smaller ones. It grows best in places sheltered from the wind, in full sun.
Requirements
An undemanding plant that likes light soils and warm, sunny places.
Galtonia should be lightly covered in winter, especially in the first years after planting.
Propagation
The plant is most often propagated from seed, which it produces in large quantities. Sow the seeds as early as February in trays and pots indoors at above 20°C. Plant the young plants in their final position outdoors in May. They usually start flowering in their second year.
It can also be propagated by dividing the bulbs. After flowering, divide them, dry them and plant them in late winter or early spring about 10 cm apart.
Care
Plant the bulbs in late winter or early spring. The tip of the bulb should be just below the soil surface. It looks very good planted in groups 10–20 cm apart. Galtonia likes fairly fertile, free-draining soils that prevent the bulbs from rotting. Water regularly from spring until flowering has finished. The finest flowers come from plants grown in one place for several years.
When plants get sick
Aphids – can be eliminated with a soap-and-spirit solution.
Grey coating and small black spots on the leaves – a symptom of fungal disease. Treat with fungicides.
Before you buy
The bulbs should be firm, healthy and not discoloured.
Average lifespan: – the bulbs survive for many years.
Difficulty of care: – easy to grow.