Last Updated on August 9, 2022 by Real Men Sow
With their distinctive bell-shaped flowers, Fritillaria bulbs bring an exotic touch to your garden. Some are bold and showy while others are subtle and discreet. There are some bulbs in dry mountainous areas of Eastern Europe, while others originate in native British meadows. However, you can grow most fritillary varieties in relatively simple conditions.
Where To Grow Fritillaries
Fritillaria can grow in either well-drained soil with bright sunlight or moist soil in dappled shades, depending on the species. Be sure to check the requirements for your selected Fritillaria species.
Best months to plant fritillaries
You could only plant bulbs between September and October. To ensure that the large bulbs of Fritillaria Imperialis flower, plant them deep, at least 30 cm below the surface.
Caring For Fritillarie Flowers
After flowering, let the foliage completely die down. If bulbs are not disturbed, fritillaria meleagris can naturalize in grass. The larger and more showy fritillaries should be mulched in spring as the first shoots emerge. Before the flowers appear, fertilize with tomato fertilizer.
How to Propagate Fritillaries
You can also grow fritillaries by sowing seeds. Sow in autumn under glass. After seedlings are germinated, you can continue to grow them for up to two years before they are ready to be planted out. Alternatively, you can divide Fritillaria imperialis clumps in late summer by splitting them and potting the bulbils at the bulb’s edge.
Fritillaries: Problem Solving
Although fritillaries can be quite trouble-free as they are part of the lily family and therefore susceptible to the voracious Lily Beetle, they are not difficult to control. It is best to get rid of bright red beetles immediately you spot them. The foliage is also attractive to snails and slugs, so be sure to take all precautions.
