BABIANA

South African cormous plants related to iris. Babiana stricta is the species usually grown in the house. 10-inch, spike-like clusters of showy red flowers appear from February to May if the corms are planted in October. In addition to B. stricta there are other varieties and named forms in blue and yellow. Plant 2 or 3 corms in a 4-inch pot, 1 inch deep in Potting Mixture 4. Do not water until growth is well started; after that abundant moisture is necessary. Dry off gradually after flowering until the leaves brown. Place the pot and its contents in a dry, sunny spot for two weeks, after which the corms are taken from the soil and stored in paper bags until the following fall when they may be re-potted and started into growth again.