Babiana angustifolia Sweet, Babiana stricta, Baboon flower, 25-100 seeds July 2024

The genus Babiana, native to southern Africa, includes about 70 species, primarily found in South Africa's Western Cape and Namaqualand. The corms of some species are edible and have been traditionally consumed by local communities. Named after the Dutch word for "little baboon," Babiana reflects early colonists' observations of baboons eating the corms. Most species bloom in late winter and spring, showcasing diverse flower shapes and colors, making them popular among gardeners. Babiana angustifolia, a spring to early summer bloomer, features striking dark blue to mauve flowers with red markings and grows up to 30 cm tall, perfect for borders.

Growing Babiana Plants

Babiana plants thrive in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. They prefer loose, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. To prepare the soil, weed thoroughly, dig to a depth of at least a spade’s width, and incorporate aged manure or compost. Keep the area weed-free until planting.

Babiana can be grown in containers. Use a quality potting mix in a container of at least 20 liters. Container-grown plants may require additional fertilization during the growing season.

Planting Babiana Corms
Plant individual corms 10cm apart and 10cm deep, with the pointed end facing upwards. Cover with soil and water well. Maintain moist soil (not soggy) until shoots appear.

Care During Growth
Water plants when the soil is dry about 5cm below the surface. Water deeply in the morning or late afternoon, avoiding overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. If the soil is well-prepared, additional fertilizer shouldn't be necessary, but in poorer conditions, a high-potassium or flowering plant fertilizer can be beneficial. Apply slow-release fertilizer as shoots emerge or use liquid fertilizer at indicated rates.

After blooming, fertilize with blood and bone meal or aged chicken manure. Babiana flowers typically bloom in 120-180 days. Regularly deadhead or cut flowers to promote energy back into the bulb instead of seed production. For cut flowers, use sharp snips to cut long stems, removing lower leaves as needed.

Allow foliage to die back naturally after flowering, as the bulb will absorb nutrients for next year’s growth. Once all leaves have died, cut them off at ground level. In colder climates, protect bulbs with heavy mulch.

Babiana bulbs can remain in the ground for several years without needing division. However, they should be lifted in wet summer areas, if overcrowded, or decided to be moved. Use a garden fork carefully to uproot the bulbs, pruning off any dead leaves. Store bulbs in a cool, dry place with good airflow, ideally around 20 degrees Celsius. Excessive heat can affect bulb viability. They can be replanted the following season following the earlier planting guidelines.

Growing Babiana from seeds

Most babianas are winter growers, so seeds should be sown in autumn when temperatures begin to drop, ideally with around a 10°C difference between day and night. Create a well-draining potting mix by combining compost with perlite or coarse sand. Water the medium thoroughly and place the seeds on the surface. You can lightly cover the seeds with the medium or leave them uncovered entirely, ensuring the soil remains moist. Continue to water adequately throughout winter and spring, but cease watering during the summer. Follow the care instructions provided above for babiana corms.