WHEN SHOULD YOU PLANT FRITILLARIA IMPERIALIS BULBS?

When should you plant Fritillaria imperialis bulbs?

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The Fritillaria imperialis, common known as the crown imperial, imperial fritillary and even Kaiser's crown is an absolutely gorgeous collection of cultivars whose original species is native to a wide stretch of  territory from the Anatolian plateau of Turkey, Iraq and Iran to Afghanistan, Pakistan, Northern India and the Himalayan foothills. Flowering in early spring in the northern hemisphere, Fritillaria imperialis is notable for its brightly coloured, pendulous flowers topped by a 'crown' of small leaves. The common names and also the species name 'imperialis' literally means 'of the emperor', which refers to the large circle of golden flowers of the native species, reminiscent of an emperor's crown. There are a number of wonderful species available including the striking variegated from of Fritillaria imperialis 'argenteovariegata'. In fact both the species and the yellow-flowered 'Maxima Lutea' have received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. 

When should you plant Fritillaria imperialis bulbs?

So back to the question at hand, when should you plant  Fritillaria imperialis bulbs? Well, Fritillaria imperialis bulbs are considerably more expensive that the usual run-of -the-mill cultivars. In fact Fritillaria imperialis 'argenteovariegata can retail upwards of £12.00 for a single bulb! So when it comes to planting timing and technique you want to get it right otherwise your investment an come to a sticky end due to the risk of fungal rots. 

For best results grow Fritillaria imperialis 12 inches apart in well-drained soil, ideally on a bed of gravel or perlite, in full sun. Plant them five inches (12 cm.) deep, but take care to plant them on their sides as this reduces the risk of rots attacking the crown of the bulb. prior to plant it can be worth mixing a small handful of bonemeal to the soil below where the bulb will be sited.

As with other fritillaria bulbs, crown imperial fritillaria should be planted from late summer to autumn so September to October will be best.

For related articles click onto the following links:

Dracunculus vulgaris - The Dragonlily
HOW TO GROW THE CROWN IMPERIAL LILY
HOW TO GROW THE FOXTAIL LILY
HOW TO GROW FRITILLARIA IMPERIALIS FROM SEED
HOW TO GROW THE SNAKE'S HEAD FRITILLARY - Fritillaria meleagris
HOW TO PLANT LILY BULBS
How to Grow Native Wild Primroses and Polyanthus from Seed

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How to Propagate and Grow Mistletoe
How to Propagate Box Hedging
How to Propagate the Snake's Head Fritillary
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