This tropical beauty could very well be the perfect addition to your flower garden. You just need to know what sparaxis is and the nuances of growing it in the garden. Take a look at the photos, and you'll see for yourself how beautiful this flower is, and you'll definitely want one for your garden.
See also: Planting petunias for seedlings in 2016.
Growing in the garden
It's important to remember that the capricious sparaxis absolutely cannot tolerate low temperatures and prefers sunny locations. It looks especially beautiful in groupings, where it should be planted ahead of other flowers. If the species you choose are 15-30 cm tall, it will perfectly complement the other flowers without overshadowing their beauty.
In most cases, sparaxis is grown in warm, southern regions, but persistent gardeners still manage to grow this beauty even in cooler areas.
In the fall, the tubers are dug up, cleaned, dried, and sprinkled with dry sawdust. They are then stored in a cool but well-ventilated location. They keep well for up to three years.
In the spring, it should be moved closer to warmer temperatures; in early May, when it's warm enough, it can be transferred outdoors. If planted between April and May, it will bloom as late as August, continuing until frost.
In southern regions, you don't even need to dig it up for the winter; just cover it thoroughly with spruce branches, and it will bloom much earlier. Simply remove the mulch, add some compost, and moisten.
Choose a site that's not only sunny but also sheltered from the winds; sparaxis doesn't like drafts; it's very delicate. Soil requirements include well-drained, loamy, and fertile soil. In warmer climates, it can even be planted in the fall, but then you'll need to dig it in deeper, 10-15 centimeters.
Growing indoors
This wonderful sparaxis will delight you on your windowsill, blooming all winter long, if you plant 3-4 of them in pots, water them, and place them in a place protected from drafts.
You can also germinate the seeds in pots and then take them out into the garden, so they will bloom earlier and be stronger.
See also: Marigolds - growing from seeds, when to plant.