You know what they all say…the older the Crinum, the bigger the Crinum seed pod. Actually, no one says that. But after today’s find, I think we should all say it together. I mean, honestly, just look at how large those seeds are! When an old Crinum clump comes a calling (but you’re in a dress for your daughter’s graduation from A&M) all you can do is collect the seeds. In this case, a whole bag full of baby Crinum seeds.
Crinum seeds are incredibly cool and a great summer project for kids. The Crinum flower grows into a seed pod when conditions are right, and will eventually fall to the ground and break open. The seed will form a sprout above ground, only to reverse the growth to form a bulb under the ground. The original seed will eventually transfer all of it’s nutrients to the new baby bulb. Nature is so fascinating! This process takes a season of very slow growth, but in a few years (and decades) the Crinum seeds will eventually grow to be one of the largest of all flower bulbs. Once established, Crinum will provide years of flowers and new baby Crinum seeds to start the process all over again.
Crinum bulbs are also worth digging, if you don’t mind breaking a shovel or two. My son, my nephew and I got up this morning and dug at the former old hunting cabin. There are still a few remnants left after the cabin had been bulldozed down. It doesn’t matter how times I dig after a teardown, I am always saddened to think that once upon a time, a cherished garden had been deeply loved by its gardener. I salvage flower bulbs for future generations of gardeners who enjoy a special link to the past.
I’m happy to report that my son was able to get under some brush and dig out 4 large bulbs, all while avoiding Poison Ivy….something to definitely celebrate. Heirloom Bulbs will sometimes “sulk” when moved. Don’t ever be disheartened if the bulbs don’t bloom the first year. I suppose I’d sulk too if I had lived somewhere for 75 years and have my house torn down. After the shock of moving, bulbs will settle into their new garden, put forth flowers of thanksgiving and thrive happily. It is important to keep the roots from completely drying out. For this reason, I send my bulbs off in style….moist newspaper and a nice tonic of vermiculture (worm castings). The pictures below are all Milk and Wine Hunting Cabin Crinum that had been moved years ago. The lone pink ranger was a gift from my Mother-in-Law’s friend. These beauties bloom faithfully every year.
If you would like some seeds to start an old Crinum, email me at heirloombulbgirl@gmail.com. Id be happy to share the bounty with you. There’s something very special about having a flower that dates back to the turn of the century….we all need strong roots in this day and age.
Happy Gardening, my friends!
Love, Keenan @heirloombulbgirl
Heirloombulbgirl 