The best time to sow Eucomis seeds is in the spring, but you will also get a good take in the autumn. After you have prepared a compost mix of 3 parts John Innes seed ‘compost’ to 1 part perlite, use it to fill 4 inch deep pots or plug trays - the depth here is important for root and bulblet development.
How do you plant Eucomis bulbs?
Pots, Barrels, Tubs & Urns Fill your containers with good quality, well-drained soil. Site your eucomis where they'll receive full sun. Dig holes and plant the bulbs 6” deep and 5” apart. After planting, water well, gently soaking the soil and settling it around the bulbs. Feel free to cut the fanciful flowers for indoor use.
How do you collect Eucomis seeds?
If you are collecting Eucomis seed yourself then allow the seed pods to fully dry out on plants first before collecting. Then, choosing a dry sunny day; remove the pods, but these will need to be broken into before you can retrieve the seeds.
What kind of soil do Eucomis like?
Soil type: Well-drained soil is best for eucomis and they do not like to sit wet through winter. Some, such as those in the Aloha series, like very free-draining soil and do well in a gravel bed or rockery. Aspect & position: Plant eucomis bulbs in a sheltered, sunny position.
Where do Eucomis grow in South Africa?
ROCK GARDENS: Eucomis are native to South Africa, where they typically grow in open, rocky areas. Rock gardens are ideal for eucomis because they give the plants the sharply drained soil they prefer. CONTAINERS: Eucomis grow well in pots and planters. Simply fill a pot with coarse, well-drained soil mix and plant the bulbs.
How do you grow Eucomis?
Plant bulbs 15cm (6in) deep to help prevent frost damage, in fertile, well-drained soil, in full sun. Avoid shady areas of the garden, but also make sure that the pineapple flower won't be shaded by other plants as they grow. Excessive shade will reduce the flowering.
How long do Eucomis bulbs take to grow?
Browse our range of eucomis bulbs for striking plants which will flower 3-4 months from planting.
When should you plant Eucomis bulbs?
springPlanting Tips for Eucomis Plant the bulbs after all danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature is 65°F or warmer. For an earlier start, plant the bulbs in nursery pots and transplant them into the garden in late spring or early summer.
How do you plant a pineapple lily seed?
In the spring, after the last frost when the soil has warmed to 65°F, plant the seeds 4 – 6 inches deep and 12 inches apart. They will germinate in 4 – 6 weeks. It will take 3 – 4 years before the seeds have grown into bulbs that are large enough to support a flowering plant.
Is Eucomis a perennial?
Eucomis comosa 'Reuben' is a bulbous perennial with dense racemes of starry rose-pink flowers, opening from dark purple buds in mid to late summer. At the tip of the spike sits a rosette of young leaves similar to those of pineapples, hence the common name of Pineapple Lily.
Do slugs eat Eucomis?
Just like pretty much every other plant, Eucomis is prone to visitations from slugs, snails, and aphids. Each of these pests enjoys feasting on your plants, eating their foliage and threatening their ability to thrive.
Is Eucomis drought tolerant?
Once established it is drought tolerant, but if the soil is very sandy occasional watering keeps the plant looking its best during dry weather.
How do you divide Eucomis bulbs?
0:283:17Divide and Repot Eucomis The Pineapple Lily - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you can see that our original bulb has multiplied into about five or six we'll remove most ofMoreAnd you can see that our original bulb has multiplied into about five or six we'll remove most of the soil with our hands the next thing to do is to put it on the ground get the hose.
How do you grow Eucomis sparkling Burgundy?
Despite its tenderness, Eucomis comosa Sparkling Burgundy' is easy to grow. Plant bulbs in pots in spring and move outside once all danger of frost has passed. Water frequently in dry weather. Dig up bulbs or move pots indoors in autumn and keep dry until the following spring.
Do pineapple lilies come back every year?
Pineapple lily plants grow from bulbs. These interesting bulbs start out as a rosette and do not usually start blooming for a year. Then annually, the plants produce the pineapple shaped flowers in July to August.
Can you grow a pineapple lily indoors?
Light Requirements and Temperature The plant needs plenty of light, full sun or a little partial shade if you want it to thrive. If grown indoors, place it in a south-facing window. You can grow Eucomis indoors in almost any region if the plants get enough light.
How do you winter a pineapple lily?
As the plant begins to yellow and die back in the fall, cut off the dead leaves and reduce watering. In warmer zones, like 8 or 9, put a layer of mulch over the soil to protect the bulb. In zones 7 and colder, dig up the bulb and move it to a warmer, protected location.
How do you grow Eucomis sparkling Burgundy?
Despite its tenderness, Eucomis comosa Sparkling Burgundy' is easy to grow. Plant bulbs in pots in spring and move outside once all danger of frost has passed. Water frequently in dry weather. Dig up bulbs or move pots indoors in autumn and keep dry until the following spring.
When should you plant pineapple lily bulbs?
These long-lasting blooms make a good cut flower, save for one feature: they have a distinct odor designed to attract pollinating flies. Plant them in late spring, after evening temperatures have warmed and all danger of frost has passed. Eucomis spp.
Do pineapple lilies come back every year?
Pineapple lily plants grow from bulbs. These interesting bulbs start out as a rosette and do not usually start blooming for a year. Then annually, the plants produce the pineapple shaped flowers in July to August.
Is Eucomis drought tolerant?
Once established it is drought tolerant, but if the soil is very sandy occasional watering keeps the plant looking its best during dry weather.
How to grow Eucomis bulbs?
Plant the bulb directly on the grit before backfilling with a mixture of soil and composted bark and a sprinkling of general-purpose organic food. Eucomis are generally hardy down to around -6°C (21ºF) if planted in well-drained soil in a sheltered position.
How tall is Eucomis pole evansii?
Many are on the chunky, or at least on the towering side – Eucomis pole-evansii, for example, is unparalleled in its show and total dominance of its patch of garden, standing at nearly 6-feet tall. You can't beat it. But not all are so attention-grabbing.
Why are pineapple lilies called pineapple lilies?
There are few more magnificent bulbs for your summer and autumn garden than eucomis, commonly known as pineapple lilies because of their distinctive flower spikes and rosette of leaves.
What type of soil is best for eucomis?
Soil type: Well-drained soil is best for eucomis and they do not like to sit wet through winter. Some, such as those in the Aloha series, like very free-draining soil and do well in a gravel bed or rockery.
Can Eucomis be grown outdoors?
Eucomis are generally hardy down to around -6°C (21ºF) if planted in well-drained soil in a sheltered position. Frost-hardy pineapple flowers can be grown outdoors in warmer parts of the UK (top with a good layer of mulch in late autumn), but in other areas, grow them in containers and move to a sheltered position when the weather cools, or grow them in a greenhouse or conservatory.
Is eucomis poisonous to dogs?
Eucomis are not known to be poisonous to cats, dogs or people.
Is Eucomis a pest?
Eucomis are generally pest-free. Watch out for slugs as new leaves emerge (which may not be until May) and ensure you have some slug repellents in place.
Where to Plant
While Eucomis are quite easy to grow, they appreciate plenty of sunlight (a little mid-day shade is fine in warmer regions) and well-drained soil. If you notice puddles of water 5–6 hours after a hard rain, scout out another site or amend the soil with organic material to raise the level 2–3 inches.
When to Plant
Eucomis bulbs are best planted outdoors in the spring after the risk of frost has passed. However, if you're looking to get a head start, pot them up indoors roughly a month before you move them outside. These beauties will bloom in the summer, with foliage appearing just a few weeks after planting and flowers following close behind.
How to Plant
For outdoor landscape planting, find a spot where the soil drains well, and your Eucomis plants will receive plenty of sun. Dig holes and plant the bulbs 3 to 4" deep and 10 to 12" apart at the base with the pointy end facing up.
How to Grow
Water as needed during active growth periods, supplying about 1" of moisture per week.
Eucomis Tips & Tricks
Feel free to cut the fanciful flower stems when in bloom for gorgeous bouquets, as doing so will not hurt your plants.
Where to plant pineapple lilies
A tender plant, pineapple lilies need plenty of sun, so choose your brightest, warmest spot and add extra grit to the soil to make sure it’s really well drained, whether you’re planting in a border or a container.
How to plant pineapple lilies
Despite their tenderness, pineapple lilies are easy to grow in the right conditions. Plant the large bulbs in pots in spring and move outside once all danger of frost has passed. Add plenty of grit to the soil for added drainage.
How to propagate pineapple lilies
New plants can be propagated by removing offsets from the parent bulbs in spring.
How to care for pineapple lilies
Keep pineapple lilies well-watered during summer but dry in winter. Pineapple lilies don’t like winter wet, so either dig up your bulbs or move pots indoors in autumn and keep dry until the following spring. Water well through the summer in dry weather. Remove dead leaves and spent flowers.
How to replant Eucomis bulbs?
Let the plant dry in a warm, protected area until the foliage has withered. Store the dormant bulbs at 45-50°F until it's time to replant them in the spring. If your eucomis are in pots, simply bring the pots indoors.
What causes eucomis bulbs to rot?
Grow eucomis in loose, well-drained soil. Heavy or soggy soil may cause the bulbs to rot.
How big is a Eucomis bulb?
Eucomis bulbs are graded by size, measured in centimeters. A large, 14/16 cm bulb (like ours on the right) will give you a more beautiful display of foliage and flowers than a smaller-sized bulb (on the far left).
How long does it take for eucomis bulbs to grow?
It typically takes 3 to 4 weeks for eucomis bulbs to break out of dormancy and begin sending out their first leaves. Be patient -- it’s normal for them to take their time.
How long does it take for eucomis to open?
The florets open slowly from the bottom up, over a period of 3 weeks or more. After the petals drop, they are replaced by attractive seed capsules. You can either leave the spent flowers attached or remove them. A dose of liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks will help keep eucomis plants lush and vigorous.
How tall do Eucomis plants grow?
FLOWERBEDS AND BORDERS: Eucomis have attractive foliage as well as interesting flowers. The plants typically grow 18-24" tall and equally wide. This makes them suitable for edging a walk or pathway. They're also good accent plants for the front or middle of a flowerbed.
What is the color of eucomis?
Eucomis flower colors come in white, pink and violet. Though they look exotic, eucomis are easy to grow ...
Gardengirl Young Pine
I have noticed that my Eucomis 'White Dwarf' has lovely ripe seed pods so have collected some. Does anyone know if these can be grown from seed. I have been told by our local nursery that they only come in white. I was hoping that if the seeds propagated they may come through a slightly different colour.
toni Mistress of Garden Junque Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor
I haven't found any info that indicates the seeds will produce a different color plant. They are relatively easy to grow from seed but it will be 2-5 years before they are mature enough to bloom. If you remove the offsets in spring or take leaf cuttings early in the spring you have a better chance of blooms sooner.
Gardengirl Young Pine
Thank you Toni. I appreciate that the White Dwarf would probably only be white but just wondered whether there are any other varieties of Eucomis with different colours.
toni Mistress of Garden Junque Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor
Not a wide variety of colors but there are some pink, white with pink, burgundy, white with purple, chartreuse and white.
Gardengirl Young Pine
Thanks for the link Toni. I wonder why my local nursery did not know that they came in other colours. In view of what you say about propagating from seed, maybe I will not bother. At my age I can't afford to wait 5 years for flowers
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How to Plant Eucomis
In climates where the bulbs are not winter hardy (zones 3-6), the easiest way to grow pineapple lilies is in containers. But even in warmer climates, eucomis grow so well and look so good in containers, that you may like growing them this way anyway.
How to Grow Eucomis
In the fall, when eucomis bulbs go dormant, they enter a very deep sleep. So, it takes a long time for them to wake up again. If you plant the bulbs in May, don’t be surprised if nothing happens for 4 to 6 weeks. Once the bulbs do begin to grow, they develop very quickly.
What to Do at the End of the Growing Season
Eucomis plants are dormant during the winter months. In late fall, the foliage will gradually die back completely, and the bulbs will rest until the next summer. Where the bulbs are hardy (zones 7-10) you can leave the bulbs right in the ground. Container-grown bulbs may also be left outdoors.
Cultivation notes
Frost-hardy pineapple flowers can be grown outdoors in the southern parts of the UK, but in other areas, grow them in containers and move to a sheltered position when the weather cools.
Planting in the garden
Plant bulbs 15cm (6in) deep to help prevent frost damage, in fertile, well-drained soil, in full sun. Avoid shady areas of the garden, but also make sure that the pineapple flower won’t be shaded by other plants as they grow. Excessive shade will reduce the flowering.
Growing in containers
Plant in a wide, shallow pan, if possible. A normal-shape flower pot will do, but is less stable when the bulbs are fully grown. Use a loam-based compost, such as John Innes No.3, with added sharp sand or horticultural grit to improve the drainage.
Winter protection
In winter, protect the bulbs in the garden with a layer, about 10cm (4in) thick, of dry mulch, such as bark or leafmould. Alternatively, lift the bulbs, dry them off and store in a frost-free place, such as a greenhouse or shed.
Pruning and training
Pineapple flowers don’t require any pruning. Just remove dead leaves, which usually appear in autumn or if the bulbs are dried off for the winter, and cut away the old flower heads once they become untidy.
Propagation
It is possible to reproduce pineapple flowers by seed and by dividing the bulbs. There is also the more unusual and involved method of taking leaf cuttings.
Problems
Outdoor-grown plants can be damaged by the low winter temperatures. In colder areas, consider growing in containers in a greenhouse or conservatory.
