Culture: Eucomis

Eucomis spp. Aloha Lily ‘Leia’ from Golden State Bulb Growers is well-suited for 4-inch and larger containers and can be used as a landscape perennial in USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10. It also can be grown under cover or in denser plantings for fresh cut production with flower stems to 18 inches tall and long-lasting flowers (two weeks or more).

The plant produces spikes of fragrant lavender flowers for about a month after whichs it forms darker colored seed pods that last an additional month and a half. The bright green foliage is covered with small lavender spots. Breeding continues for new flower colors and spotted foliage.

Bulbs are available for forcing from late February through early August. Plant one bulb per pot filled with a well-drained medium with a pH of 5.5-6.8.

Plants should be watered regularly and the medium should not be allowed to dry out. ‘Leia’ is a light feeder. Provide 50 parts per million nitrogen from a 20-10-20 plus minors fertilizer. Leaching with clear water at every other watering is critical to avoid salt buildup. High fertility tends to produce soft, loose and generally weaker plants, especially when grown under cover.

For plants grown under cover, greater uniformity can be achieved by starting forcing at 68°F-78°F until stem emergence. Following emergence, production temperatures of 60°F-85°F days and 50°F-65°F nights are best.
Plants should be grown under full sun or partial shade. Superior plant form and color can be achieved if plants are produced under high light and cooler nights.

Eucomis grown under optimum light and temperature conditions for garden center sales typically don’t require any growth regulators. Plants produced for interior displays can benefit from a paclobutrazol growth regulator treatment.
Drench applications can be made at low levels (8-16 ppm) when leaves are fully developed and plants are just beginning to show the pineapple-like vegetative top-knot (about 50-65 days after bulbs are planted).

Pests and diseases are usually not a problem. Scout for Botrytis, Pythium on the roots, and leafminers and mealybugs on the bulb scales.

‘Leia’ is ready for sale 95-110 days from bulb planting to flower. The number of flowers per bulb can range from one to four depending on bulb size. 
 
For more: Golden State Bulb Growers, (831) 728-0500; www.goldenstatebulb.com.