zephyranthes & habranthus bulbs

I started a batch from seed last spring. I just repotted
them and have 24 in total. (They were mixed seed from the
Hardy Plant Society / Mid Atlantic Group). Now - they are
not hardy here. Has anyone grown these in pots? I'd love
to hear your advice for how to handle these little beauties!

Tam

Hi Tammy!
I've never tried seed, but I do grow Zephranthes in a pot. They are so easy! In spring I replace some of the compost on top and give them some slow release fertilizer and just sit the pot outside. They have bloom flushes throughout the summer. In fall I bring the pot in, let the leaves dry, and leave it in a cool closet in the dry soil. They've been going in the same pot now for 6 years with that treatment.

Here's who you need to ask!

http://davesgarden.com/forums/fp.php?pid=3028489

That would be me. Go to my member page--follow the link.

Rain lilies are me.

This message was edited Jan 23, 2007 5:23 PM

Yikes! I just transplanted the one year old seedlings into individual
pots. I see one of your threads that says they like company. Do you
suppose they'll be OK?

I found I've got at least one or two more community pots of zephyranthes
(with specific species labelled) as well. So these I should leave?

All these were started 3/4/06 from seed.

Sounds like I should do fine growing these guys in pots. It looks like they
are hardy to around zone 8 or 9 and I'm zone 6 so I doubt I could successfully
find any microclimate for them outside.

Thanks in advance for your advice!
Tam

PS: Are you familiar with habranthus too?

I sure hope I'm familiar with them. ;)

I'd leave them in a community pot at least 2 years--and grow them out as long as you can the first year without letting them go dormant. Even if it means putting them in a window. Most Zephs and Habs can make it to zone 7b--only a few of the Mexican natives are really not hardy. If you leave them growing together you will probably have bloom (some, anyway) 2nd year. Even mine in deep quart pots are never left entirely alone, only exception would be 2 of the really big species like. Z macrosiphon or Z morrisclintii. Also fertilize them with something like an 8-8-8 weakly next spring. They do respond well to and grow better if fertilized (but organic if possible).

I'm not familiar with the group you are talking about--obviously I am familiar with NARGS and recall your reply to me on the rock garden thread. What state did you receive the seeds from, exactly if you can tell me? I know one commercial and one hobby grower that should be commercial real well in N Carolina zone 7b. We all three obtain seed and plants from the same sources and from each other. They can grow 90% of the species I grow (which is close to 40). Did you follow that link on my member page? Lots of info there about hardiness on various species.
Debbie

edited to add: Hab's are a larger species than Zeph's; I'd seperate those out if you can or they may "overpower" the Zeph's.
I just re-read that you know the species, if so tell me; that will help a lot with the advice.

This message was edited Jan 23, 2007 7:06 PM

Debbie,

I got a mix of "Habranthus & Zephyranthes" from Hardy Plant Society last year. I'll
have to check who donated them - I'm sure I kept the seed exchange list. And I already
separated the pot of seedlings so they are now in individual pots. The zephyranthes I
mentioned I found are in community pots and I will leave them in such 'til next year.

I didn't follow your link - will check again. Thanks Debbie

Tam