If you are looking for an easy variety, Fritillaria Acmopetala is a great introduction to this fascinating genus. Readily available for sale online, these are a plant and forget bulb.
With its attractive pendulous bell shaped flowers Fritillaria Acmopetala which emerge a subtle olive green and brown tinged in late spring these bulbs are originally from Turkey and surrounding areas and do require a dry dormancy like other Fritilaria bulbs.
Usually available for sale in Australia from February through to April, they are best planted immediately.
How To Grow Fritillaria Acmopetala – Basic Care
Bulbs are usually sold in late summer ready for planting.
For impact, plant Fritillaria Acmopetala bulbs in groups of 8 – 10 in part shade to full sun in a well drained position.
Fritillaria Acmopetala bulbs do well in the rock garden or a well drained pot.
A fertile soil is required so if growing in containers remember to repot every three years as the potting mix becomes exhausted.
Growing Fritillaria acmopetela from seeds:
You can collect the seeds yourself, or purchase them online.
Like all Fritillaria seeds they need a cold winter to stratify.
- The best time to sow the seeds is immediately after they ripen. So late summer to autumn.
- In climates with cold winters sow them into a pot.
- Use a normal potting mix sterilised with boiling water.
- Simply fill the pot with soil to 1 inch from the top.
- Pour over boiling water and allow to cool.
- Sow the seeds on the surface.
- Cover the seeds with a thin layer of horticultural grit.
- Place in a cool shaded position.
- Keep the seeds moist but never wet and soggy.
- Seeds should germinate in the spring.
- Leave the seedlings in the same pot for at least 2 years before dividing and potting up.
In warmer climates, follow the same procedure with the following changes.
- After sowing the seeds cover them with a plastic bag or cling wrap.
- Place in the crisper of the fridge for 6 v-8 weeks.
- Remove, take of the plastic
- Then set them aside in a cool position until spring.
- Follow on as before.
If seeds do not germinate, keep the pots in a cool shaded position and wait until the following spring.
Summary
- Plant Type – Bulb
- Flowering period – Spring
- Flower colour – Olive green with red tones.
- Foliage – Mid green.
- Height – To 40 cm
- Position – Full sun
- Soil – Humus rich well drained.
- Drought tolerant – Yes
- Frost tolerant – Yes.
Fritillaria Acmopetala Bulbs are available for sale from the following growers
'Sylvan Vale' 375 Olinda Creek Rd, Kalorama, VIC.3766
Including a large range of Rare and unusual bulbs, corms and perennials
www.tonkinsbulbs.com.au
PO Box 7040 Leura NSW 2780
Rare woodland plants, Trilliums Epimediums, Arisaemas, plus much more.www.lynnsrareplants.com.au
365 Lighthouse Rd Wynyard. TAS 7325
PH 03 6442 2012
email to: sales@vdqbulbs.com.au
www.vdqbulbs.com.au
2 Jacksons Hill Rd, Menzies Creek VIC 3159
Hundreds of different varieties of daffodils as well as other beautiful spring & autumn flowering bulbs for home gardeners. Free colour catalogues available. Tulips, Daffodils,Alliums, Freesias, Iris and many other bulbs.
www.daffodilbulbs.com.au
