Calochortus Planting Guide

Shop Calochortus

Cultivated Wildlings

Calochortus originate in the western United States and Mexico, preferring sunny grasslands and fields. The varieties available here represent some of the best choices for gardeners who are searching for easy to grow plants that are well suited to hot, dry climates. These selected wildlings will coexist nicely with the other members of your garden and won't become overly aggressive as some native plants do. No garden thugs here, just pretty, low maintance bloomers with silky petals, fine detail and lush colors.

Outdoor Beds

1. Find a location where the soil drains well. If there are still water puddles 5-6 hours after a hard rain, scout out another site. Or amend the soil with the addition of organic material to raise the level 2-3" to improve the drainage. Peat moss, compost, ground bark or decomposed manure all work well and are widely available. While calochortus aren't fussy about soil, they will don't like wet feet. These bulbs are ideal for rock gardens.
2. Site your calochortus where they will receive full sun. Strong light produces the best flowers.
3. Dig holes and plant the calochortus bulbs 2" deep and 4-6"apart. The bulbs are rounded, with small pointy ends. Plant the points facing upwards. Do not fertilize as this will produce lots of foliage at the expense of flowers.
4. After planting, water the calochortus well, gently soaking the soil and settling it around the bulbs. Roots and some foliage will form in the autumn. Buds and flowers are produced in the spring.
5. When in bloom, feel free to cut the flowers for mini bouquets. This will not hurt the plants.
6. After blooming has finished for the season leave the foliage in place; don't cut it off. The leaves will gather sunlight, create food through photosynthesis and strengthen the bulbs for the future. Water as needed during active growth periods; about 1"of moisture per week is a good estimate.
7. By mid summer the leaves will yellow and die back as the plant slips into dormancy. Foliage many be removed at this point. Your calochortus will rest for a few months before beginning the next growing cycle.

Pots, Barrels, Tubs & Urns

1. Use tall or shallow containers; calochortus work well when mixed with other petite flowers, like miniature daffodils or when tucked around the ankles of taller plants. Golden Dawn narcissus is a good choice.
2. Site your calochortus where they will receive full sun. Strong light produces the best flowers.
3. Dig holes and plant the calochortus bulbs 2" deep and 4" apart. The bulbs are rounded, with small pointy ends. Plant the points facing upwards. Do not fertilize as this will produce lots of foliage at the expense of flowers.
4. After planting, water the calochortus well, gently soaking the soil and settling it around the bulbs. Roots and some foliage will form in the autumn. Buds and flowers are produced in the spring.
5. When in bloom, feel free to cut the flowers for mini bouquets. This will not hurt the plants.
6. After blooming has finished for the season leave the foliage in place; don't cut it off. The leaves will gather sunlight, create food through photosynthesis and strengthen the bulbs for the future. Water as needed during active growth periods; about 1" of moisture per week is a good estimate.
7. By mid summer the leaves will yellow and die back as the plant slips into dormancy. Foliage many be removed at this point. Your calochortus will rest for a few months before beginning the next growing cycle.