Calochortus superbus seeds (Superb Mariposa Lily)

Description

Unique to BC xeriscapes. Large (10cm) white flowers are marked with a kaleidoscope of pink and orange and touched with purple and yellow blotches. Fine red ‘hair’ on the inner petals assist with pollination when the bees visit. Perhaps one of the easiest Calochortus to grow. Needs moist cool conditions in the fall, winter and early spring. Needs summer drought as summer water rots the bulb.

• Seed Count: 12-15
• Collection Date: May 2017
• Hardiness Zone: 6a-9a
• Height and Width: 20cm x 10cm
• Germination test type: hand sort
• Family: Liliaceae

How to germinate Calochortus superbus seeds:

Best to use a germination layer consisting of equal parts finely milled peat moss and silica sand (Mt Lane 20/30 is best) whether you are sowing in pots or in baggies. Needs 45 days of cool moist stratification (3-5C). Surface sow or barely cover 3mm deep. Don’t let dry out nor over water. Don’t let if freeze either. Germinate at cool temps (10-15 C) temps greater than 20C can be lethal. Never provide hot sun as young plants will enter dormancy early and will never gather enough energy to resprout in the following spring. Baggie sowing:  we had them germinate in one month during cold stratification in Mt Lane 20/30 filter sand. Pricked out and grew on in well draining medium under grow lights.