Camassia Growing Guide
Camassia species
Crop Rotation Group
Miscellaneous ●
Soil
Fertile, moist soil enriched with compost, with a neutral to slightly acidic pH.
Position
Full sun to partial shade.
Frost tolerant
Yes, camassia is a hardy perennial bulb, tolerating cold to -34°C (-30°F).
Feeding
None generally needed. If a clump lacks vigor, drench it with a liquid organic fertiliser when plants emerge in spring, and follow up with a granular bulb fertiliser in the autumn.
Spacing
Single Plants: 10cm (3") each way (minimum)
Rows: 10cm (3") with 10cm (3") row gap (minimum)
Sow and Plant
Plant dormant camassia bulbs in autumn, after the soil has cooled, setting them 10cm (4 inches) deep. Container-grown plants can be set out first thing in spring. Camassias resent root disturbance and rarely need dividing. To increase your supply, dig bulbs from the outside of the clump in early spring and transplant them right away.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
Notes
Camassias bloom in late spring, after daffodils but before summer perennials, and the foliage dies back in midsummer. They are best when allowed to naturalise, often forming thick clumps that persist for many years. Camassia bulbs were once a major food source for indigenous people and early settlers in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. Named varieties, selected for superior bloom, are widely available.
Harvesting
Gather stems for use in cut arrangements as you need them.
Troubleshooting
Camassias can tolerate wet soil better than drought. The plants die back naturally in midsummer. The bulbs are considered to be rodent resistant, and deer rarely eat the foliage.
Planting and Harvesting Calendar
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Pests which Affect Camassia