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How to Grow Babiana
Babiana stricta

How to Grow Babiana

If you love flowering bulbs but have a tricky area to plant in, then you may like to consider growing Babianas (Babiana stricta). These hardy Spring flowering bulbs produce violet-blue or mauve, freesia like flowers that appear on spikes up to 20cm. Great for the beginner bulb grower, as they are hardy and can tolerate periods of neglect while still providing a stunning spring flowering display.

Full sun to part shade

Regular watering, can tolerate some periods of drought

Well drained/sandy soil

Late summer to autumn planting in all climates

How to grow babianas in a garden

Step 1

Choose a well drained spot in the garden that attracts full sun to part shade.

Step 2

Enrich the soil with some compost and Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser before planting.

Step 3

Place bulbs directly where the plant is to grow at a depth of 5-15cm and spaced from 7-10cm apart.

Step 4

Cover with soil.

Step 5

Once the bulbs start to sprout gently water to keep the soil lightly moist.

Step 6

When flower buds appear feed every 1 to 2 weeks with Yates Thrive Roses and Flowers Liquid Plant Food.

Step 7

Continue to lightly water the plant after the flowers and foliage have died off, keeping the soil lightly moist.

Step 8

Once the foliage has died off, cease watering. The bulbs can stay in the soil for the next season or pulled up and stored in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight.
how to grow babiana 2

How to grow babianas in a pot

Step 1

Choose a pot that has adequate drainage holes and place it in a position that gets full sun to part shade.

Step 2

Fill the pot with Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter.

Step 3

Place bulbs directly where the plant is to grow at a depth of 5-15cm and spaced from 7-10cm apart.

Step 4

Cover with soil.

Step 5

Once the bulbs start to sprout gently water to keep the soil lightly moist.

Step 6

When flower buds appear feed every 1 to 2 weeks with Yates Thrive Roses and Flowers Liquid Plant Food.

Step 7

Continue to lightly water the plant after the flowers and foliage have died off, keeping the soil lightly moist.

Step 8

Once the foliage has died off, cease watering. Remove the bulbs and store in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight.

Growing tips

  • Babianas can grow in part shade but will perform at their best if planted in full sun.
  • These bulbs are low growing and will form a delicate floral border in large pots, rockeries or garden edges.
  • Often called ‘Baboon Flowers’ as the Baboons have known to dig the bulbs up from the ground to consume.
  • Great as a potted plant due to their hardiness and tolerance to dry conditions.

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