Why are Cardiocrinum bulbs or plants so expensive from commercial growers?
Growing Cardiocrinums from seed is fascinating but takes a long time. The spectacular flowers on their towering stems make the wait worthwhile. From the time of sowing seed until the bulb flowers can take from 7-9 years. So commercial growers charge a lot for their bulbs because they have to tend them for so long, or they import them from India or China. For us, growing Cardiocrinums is a passion, and we want others to become passionate about these magnificent plants too. So we offer seed and bulbs that are grown in north east England at reasonable prices. Once your seeds or bulbs have grown to produce their first flowers you'll agree with our motto - "Magnificence is worth waiting for."

Do Cardiocrinum seeds germinate easily?
Cardiocrinum seeds need to experience periods of cold before they germinate, so after they have been sown and put outside, some may germinate after the first winter and some after the second.

Is it true that the bulb dies after flowering.
No. Like many common bulbous plants the Cardiocrinum uses the store of food it has built up in the bulb to grow its flower stem. A big flower stem needs a big bulb containing lots of food. The Cardiocrinum is not unusual in producing offset bulbs before it flowers. Flowering uses up all the food in the main bulb and the offsets ( which are clones of the main bulb) continue to grow to flower in future years. So it's not true to say that the bulb dies when it flowers because what it really does is multiply itself. So from one bulb you eventually get a sizeable clump.

Do Cardiocrinums need special growing conditions?
No. Most gardens can provide the conditions they need. It helps if they get some shade to shelter them from scorching sun, some shelter from winds (you don't want that 8ft flowering stem blown over) and they like soil that contains plenty of organic matter to make it moisture retentive but free draining.

Are Cardiocrinums hardy?
Yes. Young plants in pots need protection from hard frost but mature plants and their offsets should be left outside in the ground all year round. You can mulch them with compost to give them extra protection in cold areas. We mostly don't, as our winter temperature rarely falls below -5 degrees C.

How deep do I need to plant Cardiocrinum bulbs.
Cardiocrinum bulbs should be planted so that the bulb's shoulder is level with the soil surface and the top of the bulb is above the soil. Planting bulbs too deep may cause rot.

What about pests and diseases?
The gorgeous glossy, heart-shaped leaves are enjoyed by slugs, especially just as the leaves emerge. So take steps to protect from too much slug damage. Vine weevil grubs can eat the roots of young pot-grown bulbs, so protect if necessary.

Do you provide growing instructions?
We provide easily-followed growing instructions to ensure your success with our Cardiocrinum seeds and bulbs.

Are Cardiocrinums only for expert gardeners?
No. With care and patience and by following our growing instructions anyone should be able to successfully grow Cardiocrinums from seed.