Velthemia Seeds
Jamie (Thu, 18 Mar 2004 06:55:46 PST)

Hello, Fred.

The natural cycle of Vetheimia bracteata is to begin vegetative growth in
the autumn with the commencement of cooler weather, and then to flower in
the spring. The seed fall to the ground over the course of the summer, and
begin to sprout in the fall with the advent of cooler weather and moisture.
They are found in areas of South Africa that receive summer rainfall,
however I suspect that this is a matter of their tolerance, not their
preference.

Your seed will probably sprout to a certain degree now, but they will be
much more willing in September/October. The problem is that they may not
thrive in a cold winter climate such as yours - perhaps someone with
similar conditions could help you there. A greenhouse with 70° days and
35°-40° nights would seem to be about right. They might even adapt well to
a summer growth pattern as a patio container plant, but here they are a
trouble-free, plant-and-forget bulb that is very happy with a mediterranean
growth cycle. The gophers ignore them too.

Most of mine go dormant over the summer - the odd one can be almost
evergreen if kept shaded and moist - but by August even the most persistent
ones are asleep.

Hope this helps,
Jamie
Northern California