How to Plant Tigridia

Tigridia pavonia, also known as the Mexican shell flower, grows from a bulb. Tigridias grow well in pots, which makes it easy to move them indoors before the ground freezes. They have large, extravagant blooms that only survive for a day, but they bloom continuously over four to five weeks in mid-summer. They can grow in most climates in the United States, but in areas where the winter temperature drops below freezing, they will need to be brought inside.

Things You'll Need

• Compost
• Soil
• Pots
• Fertilizer

Instructions

1. Choose a bed that receives part to full sun. A south or west facing bed works best.

2. Sow tigridia bulbs 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart after all danger of frost has passed. Plant in a garden bed or pot that has had 2 to 3 inches of compost worked into it.

3. Add a slow-release fertilizer before you plant the bulbs. Use a fertilizer that is formulated for bulbs. Apply the fertilizer every spring.

4. Water thoroughly at planting. Keep the soil moist throughout the summer, only watering as necessary.

5. Bring the pots in before the first frost or dig up the bulbs once the leaves have died back. The bulbs can be stored at room temperature.

Tips & Warnings

• Tigridia can be planted on slopes where erosion is a problem.

• Tigridia is virus prone, remove affected plants immediately and keep the garden aphid-free.

References

• Backyard Gardener: Tigridia Pavonia

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish