Camassia leichtlinii |
Native Region: British Columbia to California, Idaho
Zone Range: 03-09
Preferred Climate: Temperate
Harvest Date: Thursday 02 August, 2012
Seed count: 15-20
Description:
This species can be taller than the closely related Camassia quamash, reaching heights of 1.4m (50in). It also tends to be slightly hardier and better suited to colder conditions. This seed was collected from predominantly white flowered plants, but there may be a small percentage of seed from the rarer blue flowered plants.
Notes:
Camas bulbs were a food staple for many Pacific Northwest native peoples. Camas meadows were prized and kept free of the unrelated but similar bulbs of Zygadenus venenosus (Death Camas). For the first few years the plant is grass or small iris-like; subsequent years the plant will have flowers.
Cultivation:
Fall and winter sowings may be made directly into pots of sterilized potting medium, covered with a thin layer of coarse sand, and placed in a coldframe. Darkness is required to start the germination process. For mid to late spring sowings, the seed should be soaked in pure clean water then placed in pots of sterilized growing medium, covered with a thin layer of coarse sand, and refrigerated for 4-6 weeks, during which time germination will be initiated. Move pots to a cool sheltered location with bright indirect light to complete germination. Grow in a sunny location – Camas enjoys wet winters and dry summers. For maximum freshness, please keep seed refrigerated in its original packaging until it is time to plant.
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