[Closed] SX 479 Special Genus edition: Calochortus

[Martin Bohnet]

Posting for Jan Jeddeloh

After I took over the Bulb Exchange Luminita, the previous BX manager, sent me seed left over from previous exchanges.  I will be offering that seed as genus collections and "Grab Bags" for bargain basement prices.  These special seed distributions will all carry the SX 479 designation. The first genus collection is calochortus.  Robin Hansen wrote a great article on growing calochortus from seed in the recent edition of The Bulb Garden.  I'm sure some of you would now love to try to grow this exquisite genus. This seed is mostly from 2019 and 2020 but, as Robin points out, calochortus seed has good viability. Each share will cost $10 plus postage.  You will receive an invoice with the seed.



Here's how to apply for one of three identical calochortus shares. Each share will contain seed of all the calochortus listed below.  Seed amounts will vary by species.

1)    Make sure your 2022 membership is paid.  You can check with Jane McGary at janemcgary@earthlink.net <mailto:janemcgary@earthlink.net> if you're not sure.

2)    Respond to me at seedyjan1@gmail.com <mailto:seedyjan1@gmail.com> with your name, mailing address and email. The subject line should read "Calochortus share"

If I receive more than three requests I will pick three people at random. I will take requests until January 14, 5pm Pacific Standard Time (1 am GMT).



These are the seed you will receive.

Calochortus argillosus.  Common name is Clay Mariposa Lily which is a hint how to grow it.  Found in grassy clay meadows.

Calochortus albus.  From the PBS wiki "This species can be grown in a standard well drained mix. It likes a shady area with dappled sunlight but can be grown in practically full sun in areas very near the ocean where temperatures are cool. Seedlings grow faster if they are fertilized. Plants must be given a completely dry summer dormancy."

Calochortus amabilis.  Mentioned by Robin Hansen as one of the more easily growable calochortus in her recent The Bulb Garden article. Bright yellow flowers.  Can be grown in part shade or full sun.  Culture like Calochortus albus.

Calochortus catalinae. Native to Southern California.  Grows in grassy meadows.

Calochortus dunnii.  Native to the Vulcan Mountains in Southern California. Chaparral and forest grower.  Needs a dry summer.  This is a rare and endangered species so I cannot mail it out of the United States.

Calochortus luteus.  The species name is a clue to the color.  Mentioned in Robin's article as one of the easier species.  Here's what our wiki has to say, "This species is one of the easiest Calochortus to grow in a summer-dry climate. Seeds should be sown in a well-drained soil, and not watered until temperatures drop in the autumn. They do not need to be cold-stratified. Water weekly until the leaves start to die back (usually May-June in the northern hemisphere), and keep the seed pot in dry shade until the next autumn. As noted above, if given great drainage, cultivars of this species may be able to survive in-ground in summer-wet climates."

Calochortus macrocarpus. Collected Ancient Lakes Conservation Area.  Widespread throughout the Intermountain West.  Wants great drainage, dryish winters and hot summers.  Needs six to eight weeks cold stratification. 

Calochortus plummerae.  Per the wiki,  "This southern California species grows in rocky clay soil often found with its base shaded and flowers in sun."

Calochortus pulchellus.  Native to Mt. Diablo near San Francisco.  Wiki has pictures of it in cultivation.

Calochortus superbus. Another of Robin's growable calochotus.  Annie's Annuals sells it for $10 each.  You can grow it for a lot less.  Native to grassy clay meadows.

Calochortus tolmiei. Wide ranging in California and Oregon.  Robin has succeeded with it.

Calochortus venustus.  Another wide ranging calochortus.  These are seeds from mostly white plants.

Calochortus venustus, red form.

Calochortus weedii.  Reported to be difficult to grow but check the wiki for a success story.

Happy growing,

Jan Jeddeloh