Guide to growing Veltheimia
Veltheimia are hardy bulbs that reach from 30 to 45cm in height.
Veltheimia bloom at the start of spring when they carry drooping clusters of tubular shaped flowers of red or yellow.
How to grow Veltheimia
For quickest results grow Veltheimia from bulbs as seed grown plants will take about three or four years to flower. Veltheimia bulbs should be buried two thirds deep in the autumn; ie, keep the top third out of the soil. Space Veltheimia about 30cm apart and locate them in a sunny or partially shaded part of the garden. Ideally the soil that Veltheimia grows in will be acidic and have good drainage.
If growing Veltheimia from seed either sow outdoors in the autumn or start off indoor at the start of winter; sow Veltheimia and lightly cover. If growing indoors then it should Veltheimia germination should take from one to three months at a temperature of 12 to 18 degrees centigrade. Transplant Veltheimia seedlings into the garden in mid spring.
Caring for Veltheimia
Although Veltheimia takes a little looking after it is fairly easy work. They require a liquid fertiliser every couple of weeks from spring until the end of the growing season (stop in summer). If you live in a very cold area then bring the Veltheimia bulbs indoors for the winter, as they will not tolerate extremely cold temperatures.