A Guide to Growing Indigenous Bulbs: Flowering Bulbs for Your Winter Garden

Welcome back, Garden Masters! It’s finally bulb season and we’re about to embark on a journey into the magical world of bulbs!

Remember those indigenous beauties we showcased on our social media pages a while ago in celebration of Earth Day? South Africa’s soil is a mosaic of diversity, ranging from fertile alluvial plains to nutrient-rich red and yellow soils. The country’s unique landscape supports a rich tapestry of vegetation and biodiversity. This varied earth provides an ideal foundation for gardening! That is exactly why this week, we’re putting five of South Africa’s indigenous bulbs in the spotlight, showing you how to incorporate them into your garden, care for them and add a touch of local flair and beauty to your outdoor oasis.

The Bulb: A World in Its Own

Bulbs are like nature’s little treasures, bursting forth year after year with minimal effort, bringing endless beauty and joy. These botanical wonders not only grace our gardens with their beautiful and unique blooms but also work silently underground, enriching the soil and keeping pesky weeds at bay.

They are also self-sufficient, storing energy from one growing season to the next. This means they already have what they need to thrive! And when they start to grow again, they use their stored reserves to develop roots, shoots, leaves and flowers! Magical, aren’t they?

A Bounty of South African Bulbs

South Africa is home to one of the richest collections of bulbous plants on Earth, with more than 2 100 species. Here are five of our favourites:

Watsonia (Cape Bugle Lily):

• Blooming Season:Late spring to early summer.
• Planting Time: Best planted in early spring or autumn.
• Planting Tips: Choose a spot with well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. Space bulbs about 15 centimetres apart and plant them 7 to 10 centimetres deep.
• Care: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the growing season to encourage blooming.

Freesia (White Freesia):

• Blooming Season:
• Planting Time: Plant bulbs in late summer or early autumn.
• Planting Tips: Select a sunny location with well-drained soil. Plant bulbs 5 to 8 centimetres deep and space them about 5 to 8 centimetres apart.

Care: Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. Deadhead spent blooms to promote continuous flowering.

Ixia (Spotted African Corn Lily):

• Blooming Season:Late spring to early summer.
• Planting Time: Best planted in early autumn.
• Planting Tips: Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Plant bulbs 5 to 7 centimetres deep and space them 8 to 10 centimetres apart.
• Care: Water sparingly during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Mulch around the bulbs to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Chincherinchee (Star-of-Bethlehem):

• Blooming Season: Late spring to early summer.
• Planting Time: Plant bulbs in autumn.
• Planting Tips: Select a location with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Plant bulbs 7 to 10 inches deep and space them about 10 to 15 centimetres apart.
• Care:Water moderately during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage prolonged flowering.

Sparaxis (Cape Buttercup):

• Blooming Season:Late spring to early summer.
• Planting Time: Best planted in early autumn.
• Planting Tips: Plant bulbs in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Space bulbs 7 to 10 centimetres apart and plant them 5 to 8 centimetres deep.
• Care: Water regularly during the growing season, keeping the soil evenly moist. Deadhead spent blooms to promote continuous flowering.

Choosing Between a Pot or The Garden Bed

Whether you’ve got a big garden or just a small balcony, planting flower bulbs is a piece of cake! Just dig a hole, pop in the bulb, and you’re good to go. They’ll grow happily in flower gardens, under trees and even on your lawn.

They will grow as well in pots and containers – it all depends on the space you have available. So let’s delve right in.

Planting in Garden Beds:

• Choose the Right Spot:

1. • Ensure the location receives ample sunlight, as most indigenous bulbs thrive in sunny conditions.

1. • Opt for well-drained soil to prevent waterlogging, which can cause bulb rot.

• Planting Depth and Spacing:

1. • Dig holes according to the specific planting depth recommended for each bulb variety.

1. • Space bulbs adequately to allow for proper growth and air circulation.

• Planting Time:

1. • Aim to plant bulbs in early spring or autumn, depending on regional climates and bulb varieties.

• Care and Maintenance:

1. • Water bulbs regularly, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil evenly moist.

1. • Mulch around bulbs to conserve moisture and suppress weed growth.

1. • Deadhead spent blooms to promote prolonged flowering and prevent seed formation.

 Planting in Pots:

• Selecting the Right Containers:

1. • Choose pots with adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, as excess moisture can lead to bulb rot.

1. • Opt for containers large enough to accommodate the root system of the bulbs and allow for proper growth. 
     

• Potting Mix:

1. • Use a high-quality potting soil that provides good drainage and aeration for the bulbs. 

1. • Consider mixing in some organic matter, such as compost, to enrich the soil and promote healthy growth. 
     

• Planting Depth and Spacing:

1. • Place bulbs in the pot at the appropriate depth, ensuring they are not planted too shallow or too deep.

1. • Space bulbs evenly within the container, taking care not to overcrowd them.

1. • You might also be interested in reading about the art of container gardening.
     

• Sunlight and Watering:

1. • Position pots in a location that receives sufficient sunlight, as most bulbs require full sun to thrive.

1. • Water bulbs in pots regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Monitor moisture levels closely, especially during hot weather. For our range of watering equipment, click here.

• Protection:

1. • In colder climates, consider placing your potted bulbs in a sheltered location to protect them from freezing temperatures. Consider investing in a greenhouse or grow house.

What To Do After Your Bulbs Have Flowered

Once your bulbs finished flowering you might want to cut them back. Don’t. Let the foliage fade naturally so that all the energy can go back into the bulb. This way, they’ll offer gorgeous blooms again next year.

 What’s next?

Flowering bulbs are a garden gem. They have so much to offer, and growing them is easier than you think. Just keep them fed and watered, and follow the planting instructions. By following the guidelines above, you can successfully cultivate your own indigenous bulb garden in no time. Just pick your favourite one and enjoy an endless display of gorgeous colours, charming foliage, and wonderful fragrances that will keep your garden blooming endlessly.

Remember to visit your nearest Makro, Builder’s Warehouse or Game for all the tools you need to take care of your bulbs. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok for more gardening tips.