Planting up Gloriosa 2012
By petaltracey
29 comments
Thought you might like to see the size of my Gloriosa tubers, and I thought I’d have a go at writing my first blog… I’m afraid it’s taken me ages but here goes!
The first time I saw a Gloriosa plant was in a neighbour’s lean to conservatory – it was pretty impressive. I didn’t know what it was, and was told “Ooohh we got that from Joan, it’s a Gloriosa rothschildiana” Joan is a very good gardening neighbour whom I know, and lives a little further up my lane. So the next time I saw her I explained my delight at seeing the Glory Lily and she promised me a few of the “cigars” (tubers) and instructions on how to grow them!
Every year I grow them in a reasonable size ceramic pot. Here they are – still in last years compost.
The Tubers are pretty big, some are the thickness of my wrist. I’m amazed to find some thing like 26 tubers in the pot. Here are a selection of some of them.
I use any brand of multipurpose compost – so nothing special. I just fill the pot up…
And now plant the tubers with the rounded end downwards into the compost – I’ve spaced them out and kept to a circular patten.
Next, I cover the tubers with more compost – about 3 or 4 inches in the ceramic pots. This year I’ve been very fortunate to have enough tubers to fill two pots for the conservatory and also have some tubers over that can be planted up in plastic pots, which I’ll give away to friends. And just to make you gasp all of last years 26 tubers came out of the smaller pot in this picture!
The tubers in the plastic pots have been placed in the airing cupboard, and the two ceramic pots are in the conservatory… Finlay, (who was on holiday with us when these pictures were taken) is keeping a keen eye on them…
I started this blog in March – I know, I know it’s taken me a very long time to sort out what I want to write, what photographs I should use etc., etc., BUT it’s like this – I’M STILL WAITING… as of yet there are still no sign of any shoots!!
To finish off – Here are a couple of pictures of what I’m hoping to produce this year, and also beat my 2010 record number of flowers. Which was 172… PoppyL I might need some of that Miracle Grow!!!
7 May, 2012
8 likes
Next post: How I Made a Floral Musical Note!
Comments
Oh I do like the end result, sadly no conservatory so I'll have to wait and see yours when they bloom again..
Very good first blog and Finlay is a handsome chap...
8 May, 2012
they're very big Tracey - all the best with these :))) Sweet dog :)))))))
8 May, 2012
Thank you Pimpernel! It was the IT that has been holding me back lol! But after making a few mistakes, here I am. All this from someone who worked for 16 years in Data Processing - but things have changed such a lot since then lol !!
8 May, 2012
Thanks Linclass, Meanie told me he grows these outside in the summer in a pot, which he then brings in and puts under the stairs for winter. I might have a go at this with the second smaller pot, otherwise I might be over run with Lillies in the conservatory!
Thanks Paul, if I don't see any signs of life from these by the end of this month I shall start to worry.
Glad you all like Finlay. He loves being in the garden with you and is great company!
8 May, 2012
Interesting blog, Tracey. Great photos, and I can see why you use the word "cigar" .. Lol.
Finlay is lovely :o)
8 May, 2012
Hi TT, Finlay is very well behaved. He's here for another holiday in a couple of weeks, so I can happily walk in the orchards around here take a few pic's of the blossom (if there's any left!!!)
8 May, 2012
I bet Finlay really enjoys his holidays with you ..
Does he send postcards to his doggie friends ? ;o)
8 May, 2012
Funny you should say that TT, He is very clever with IT -he sends emails to his Mum and Dad and has learnt to use the mouse to send photographs too - There's no end to his talents lol!
8 May, 2012
Lol. Finlay seems like another contender for Britain's Got Talent ...
you have a canine technology whiz-kid there ;o)
8 May, 2012
A fascinating blog, love the photos of how those tubers turn into such beautiful plants. Hope they start sprouting soon.
8 May, 2012
Great first blog :o) Keep going ....
I've never seen this plant before. It must be fascinating to watch it grow and flower ...
8 May, 2012
Be interesting to see if there is a big difference in the way they bloom, if you put one outside...it would be spectacular in the garden itself, and Meanie knows his stuff.. ;))
8 May, 2012
Stroller - I hope I see sign of some shoots soon too! It usually starts before I go on holiday, which is normally at the end of May begining of June. So fingers crossed there should be signs of green shoots soon!
Hywel - This is a bit like the mile a minute vine!! It just grows so tall and the ends of the leaves curl around other stems for additional support. I do put canes into the pot to help it clamber up to the beams in the Conservatory.
Pimpernel - I agree it would be very interesting to compare the pots, especially as they've both been planted up at the same time.
8 May, 2012
Well that was a blog worth waiting for! The photos really do tell the whole story. They really do make alot of new growth dont they! They look really plump and healthy, Im sure they will start sprouting soon. The tuber I lost didnt look anything like that, it must have dried out/got frosted. So Im hoping one of those extra ones has got my name on it??? Have you still got Finlay? Hes a right little star, I can see why you like having him around. I like your lanterns - are they a new acquisition/present? Now youve done a blog, youll find it much easier next time - so I look forward to the next one!
8 May, 2012
Hi Poppy! Yes I managed to sort out the IT department and got this together! You are correct one of the pots in the airing cupboard has your name on it!
Finlay is back with us for his Spring holiday in a couple of weeks - I'm looking forward to our walks in the orchards!
The Lanterns were a Christmas Present - A very nice gift, can't wait to use them!
9 May, 2012
BREAKING NEWS... BREAKING NEWS... Have just seen the first shoot!! It's less than half an inch but give it time... The shoot has appeared in the smaller one of the ceramic pots - have checked all the other pots but no signs. But I'm sure it won't be long now :o)))
9 May, 2012
Love it...That Poppy's not backward at coming forward is she?
9 May, 2012
Don't worry Pimp - Poppy and I are old friends, we worked together in the early 80's then left the private sector in the mid 90's when both of us took up careers in floristry! We've been swopping garden plants and ideas for dare I say it 30 odd years!! lol
9 May, 2012
Brilliant news Petal! It will gallop away now. In fact everything is starting to get a bit of a shift on now. Ive got loads of stuff that needs repotting. Pimp if you want something - you only have to ask!!...lol
9 May, 2012
Sorry Pop still in shock.....30+ years!! Were you freelance child chimney sweeps???
9 May, 2012
Have had a good laugh at your last comment Pimps! PS If you'd like to have a go at growing one of the Gloriosa Tubers I could always send them snail post!
9 May, 2012
Aww That's kind Petal...I would love to see how one does outside before you send a bit for me to kill. If it does ok I will ask for a bit off you for next year please......And a bit off Pops she can hardly refuse now can she.? ;))
9 May, 2012
No, I don't think so either! :D)
9 May, 2012
Well as I said earlier - you only have to ask. Bet you were never last in the lunch queue either Pimp..lol! btw bless you for the comment about child chimney sweeps.- I think???
9 May, 2012
;))
10 May, 2012
Just saw this, another new plant for me, the flowers are so zingy! How are they looking now? Oh, and great first blog :) Mags
12 Jun, 2012
Great blog Petal t, i bought 2 at half price :) earlier this year, when planting i was suprised to see the tubors were sausage shaped! so i placed them flat in the pot then into the greenhouse, one was a bit soft and i knew it wouldn,t come through but the other has sprouted and is about 18" high, still in the greenhouse, (i wish this weather would change) im going to see how it does'e growing up my pergola this year and hopefully because of your very informitive blog i will get more tubors next year, thanks a bunch. ...Dee..
12 Jun, 2012
Hi Mags and Dee - Glad you both enjoyed this blog. These flowers are zingy to say the least! Gloriosa opens converstions when my family and friends visit in the summer months! I was going to put the smaller pot out into the garden, but due to the wet and very windy weather I've kept both of them inside.
Last week I had to support them with tall bamboo canes and they are now 5 foot tall. Flowerbuds are forming nicely! :o)))
13 Jun, 2012
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28 May, 2012
First blog..you have been chatting for ages now Tracey and know a thing or two about plants/flowers..putting this in my faves... Cute dog as well always a plus :))
7 May, 2012