Brodiaea is a hardy bulb. Plants grow to between 30 and 90 cm (1 to 3 feet) in height.
There ares many different species in the genus, and commonly grown polants include Clusterlily, Grassnut, Blue-dicks, Firecracker flower, and Ithuriel's spear.
Brodiaea elegans (Elegant Cluster-lily) by Tom Hilton.
Brodiaea flowers in the spring with star shaped white or violet blooms.
Brodiaea filifolia (Threadleaf Brodiaea), photograph by USFWS Pacific Southwest Region; CC.
Brodiaea coronaria syn. Brodiaea grandiflora.
Brodiaea coronaria (Harvest Brodiaea / Crown Brodiaea), picture by A.Davey; CC.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Brodiaea. You may also enjoy the following growing guides: How to grow Asparagus in the garden and the Common aspidistra plant.
If planning to grow Brodiaea outdoors, then seeds should be planted in the autumn. Sow seeds at a depth of 3 mm (1/8th inch). Ideally bulbs should be planted in early autumn, at a depth of 10 cm (4 inches).
When growing Brodiaea members indoors first, then it is best to sow and germinate them at a temperature of around 15 degrees Celsius (59°F).
They typically take from one to three months to germinate.
It is important to water plants from below, as their leaves tend to be sensitive to water and can decay.
The seedlings of grassnut and related Brodiaea species should then be planted out in the autumn. It will take about two years until plants bear flowers.
Ideally, Brodiaea plants should be located in a sunny area of the garden at about 10 cm (4 inches) apart. It is important to use a gritty soil that has excellent drainage.
Brodiaea douglasii (Douglas' Brodiaea) by Plinkk.
Brodiaea may require to be watered during dry spells, but do not water at other times of the year.
In very damp or very hot summers, Grassnut bulbs should be moved indoors. Replant outside again in the Autumn.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Brodiaea plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ Asparagaceae family growing guides: How to grow Aspidistra elatior; Yucca thompsoniana, Mondo Grass, and Muscari plants.