Babiana - Mixed - 50 bulbs p-pack

Babiana, also known as Bobbejaantjie, is a hardy, drought-tolerant, winter-growing bulb native to South Africa. These small, fragrant flowers bloom in spring (August—October) and are excellent for rock gardens, borders, and containers.

1. Best Growing Conditions

Climate:

• Thrives in Mediterranean and semi-arid regions.

• Ideal for Western Cape, Northern Cape, and parts of the Eastern Cape.

• Grows well in dry winters with cool nights and warm, dry summers.

Sunlight:

• Prefers full sun (at least 6 hours daily).

• Can tolerate light afternoon shade in hot inland areas.

Soil Requirements:

• Well-draining, sandy or loamy soil is ideal.

• pH: 6.0—7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral).

• If soil is heavy, mix with sand or compost for better drainage.

2. Planting Babiana Corms

Best Planting Time:

• Autumn (March—May) for spring flowering (August—October).

Depth & Spacing:

• Plant 5—7 cm deep and 8—10 cm apart.

• Space corms properly to allow airflow and prevent fungal issues.

Container Growing:

• Use well-draining potting mix in deep pots (at least 15 cm deep).

• Ensure good drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

3. Watering & Care

Watering:

• Water moderately during the growing season (autumn to spring).

• Once flowers fade, reduce watering as plants go dormant in summer.

Fertilizing:

• At planting: Apply a balanced bulb fertilizer (5-10-10 or 3-5-5).

• Once buds form, feed again with a low-nitrogen fertilizer for stronger blooms.

Mulching:

• Apply a thin layer of mulch (bark chips, straw) to retain moisture.

4. Flowering & Dormancy

Bloom Time:

• Flowers from August to October.

• Fragrant blooms attract bees and pollinators.

After Flowering Care:

• Let the foliage die back naturally to store energy for the next season.

• Stop watering and allow corms to dry out as summer dormancy begins.

Lifting & Storing Corms (Optional):

• In very wet summer regions, lift corms once foliage dies back and store in a cool, dry place until replanting in autumn.

5. Pests & Diseases

Common Pests:

• Aphids — Can be controlled with neem oil.

• Snails & slugs — Use organic deterrents or traps.

Disease Issues:

• Fungal rot — Prevent by planting in well-draining soil and avoiding overwatering.

6. Propagation

By Corms (Easiest Method):

• Babiana naturally produces small corm offsets that can be divided and replanted in autumn.

By Seeds (Slower):

• Can be grown from seed, but flowering takes 2—3 years.

7. Companion Planting

• Pairs well with Freesia, Sparaxis, Tritonia, and Ixias for a vibrant spring display.

• Works well in rock gardens, wildflower meadows, and borders.

Conclusion

Babiana is a low-maintenance, water-wise bulb perfect for South African gardens. With autumn planting, full sun, and well-draining soil, you'll enjoy a stunning display of colorful, fragrant flowers in spring!