Fritillaria Bulbs are popular plant for alpine and rock gardeners. Fritillaria imperialis or 'crown imperial' is one of the larger growing bulbs and more spectacular of the species however fritillaria meleagris fritillaria persica, Fritillaria affinis, Fritillaria camschatcensis, the 'dwarf' Fritillaria pudica, Fritillaria verticillata and other species are also very attractive flowering bulbs. Fritillaria bulbs and flowers can be grown from seed although they may take a few years to flower.
Fritillaria bulbs plants and species Fritillaria imperialis, meleagris, pudica, affinis persica, camschatcensis and other species.
Fritillaria bulbs and flowers in their many forms and colors, are an enchanting and even addictive species to collect. The snakes head fritillaria, or fritillaria meleagris is probably the easiest bulbs to grow, and it is a fascinating species, with its checkered drooping flower head in spring it will make a show.
If you are patient try growing the larger bulb fritillaria imperialis, this is the crown prince of fritillaria up to 1.5m with orange or yellow 'Maxima Lutea' drooping bell shaped flowers from the top of its tall stem. Plant Imperialis on its side deep in the soil (up to 500cm) and maybe if you are patient you will have a clump of spectacular fritillaria in a few years.
In Latin ' fritillus' means checkered dice box. Propagate fritillaria from offsets, or seed.
Fritillaria seed germinate best if sown in autumn on the surface of a seed raising mix, and covered by a thin (2mm) layer of fine gravel, we use deep pots rather than trays as fritillaria tend to want pull themselves down to quite a depth. Germination is not always obvious as fritillaria first send down a long root, the bulb then forms at the end of the root. In general young plants should be left in the pot for 2-3 years, do not prick them out to smaller pots until the bulb is well formed 2nd or 3rd year at least.
After seeds have germinated liquid feed once a month during the growing season. After the second or third year you can divide the new bulbs and replant them at the same depth. Keep in part shade for another year or two before planting into the garden.
