Overview
Brodiaea terrestris Kellogg ssp. kernensis (Hoover) Niehaus is a plant species native to California and Oregon regions in North America. This plant is a subspecies of Brodiaea terrestris and belongs to the Asparagaceae family.
Common Names
Common names for Brodiaea terrestris Kellogg ssp. kernensis (Hoover) Niehaus include Kern brodiaea or simply Kern brodiaea, named after the Kern County it is indigenous to. It is also known as the brown bells or chocolate lily.
Appearance
Brodiaea terrestris Kellogg ssp. kernensis (Hoover) Niehaus appears in the spring and grows to a height of 8 to 15 inches. This plant has a bulbous corm that is about 1 cm wide while its leaves are basal, long, and thin. The flowers are bell-shaped, and the petals can range in color from light to dark brown, with the inner corolla being paler in color. The bulbs of this plant serve as a food source for several wild animals.
Uses
The Kern brodiaea plant has been recognized as a significant Native American traditional food source. The bulb of this plant was harvested by the Native Americans, who would roast, bake, boil, or steam it. It was often eaten ripe or consumed in powder form.
Brodiaea terrestris Kellogg ssp. kernensis (Hoover) Niehaus is sometimes grown as an ornamental plant in home gardens, for its attractive leaves and beautiful, fragrant flowers.
Light Requirements
The Brodiaea terrestris Kellogg ssp. kernensis (Hoover) Niehaus requires full sun exposure for optimal growth and development. Full sun means that the plant should receive direct sunlight for at least six hours a day. The plant can tolerate partial shade, but it may not bloom as well as when grown in full sun.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures ranging from 60 degrees Fahrenheit to 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season. Brodiaea terrestris Kellogg ssp. kernensis (Hoover) Niehaus is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 9, and it can tolerate cold temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit during the dormant season. Higher temperatures may cause the plant to go dormant earlier.
Soil Requirements
Brodiaea terrestris Kellogg ssp. kernensis (Hoover) Niehaus prefers well-draining, sandy soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant can grow in a range of soils, including loamy, clay, and gravelly soils, as long as the soil is well-drained. The ideal soil pH for Brodiaea terrestris Kellogg ssp. kernensis (Hoover) Niehaus is between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant is not salt-tolerant and may wilt in soils with high salt content.
Cultivation Methods
Brodiaea terrestris Kellogg ssp. kernensis is a bulb plant that can be planted in the fall. Make sure the soil is well-draining and rich in nutrients. Plant the bulbs about 4-6 inches deep and 3-4 inches apart. They prefer full sun to partial shade and can tolerate some drought.
Watering Needs
Brodiaea terrestris Kellogg ssp. kernensis does not require a lot of watering. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry. Be careful not to overwater as this can cause the bulb to rot. Additionally, make sure the soil is well-draining to prevent water from sitting around the bulb.
Fertilization
Brodiaea terrestris Kellogg ssp. kernensis does not require a lot of fertilization. A general purpose fertilizer applied once a month during the growing season is sufficient. Be careful not to over-fertilize as this can cause the plant to become leggy and not form flowers.
Pruning
Brodiaea terrestris Kellogg ssp. kernensis does not require pruning, but removing the spent flowers can help promote additional growth and flowering. After the blooms have faded, cut the stem down to the bulb. Allow the leaves to die back naturally as they provide nutrients to the bulb for next season's growth.
Propagation of Brodiaea Terrestris Kellogg ssp. Kernensis (Hoover) Niehaus
Brodiaea Terrestris Kellogg ssp. Kernensis (Hoover) Niehaus is a flowering plant that belongs to the Asparagaceae family. It is commonly grown for its blue-violet flowers, which bloom from late spring to early summer. Propagation of Brodiaea Terrestris Kellogg ssp. Kernensis can be done through a variety of methods, which include:
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common method of propagating Brodiaea Terrestris Kellogg ssp. Kernensis is through seeds. Seeds can be collected from mature plants after the blooming season or purchased from a reputable supplier. To ensure successful germination, seeds must be scarified or nicked before planting, as they have hard coats that prevent water absorption. Scarification can be done by rubbing the seeds on sandpaper or using a sharp knife to create small cuts on the seed coat. After scarification, the seeds should be soaked in lukewarm water for about 24 hours to soften the coat. Gently press the seeds into the potting soil or seeding mix, cover them with a thin layer of soil, and keep them moist. The seeds will germinate within 2-3 weeks.
Division Propagation
Brodiaea Terrestris Kellogg ssp. Kernensis can also be propagated through division. This method involves separating the corms from the parent plant into individual units. Once the plant has finished blooming and the foliage has begun to die back, gently dig up the corms and separate them into smaller units. Be sure to keep a small piece of the basal plate attached to each corm. Plant the separated corms in well-draining soil, spacing them at least 6 inches apart and covering them with 1-2 inches of soil. Water the newly planted corms and keep them slightly moist until new growth appears, which usually occurs within a few months.
Bulbils Propagation
Bulbils are small bulbs that form at the base of the flowering stem. This method of propagation involves harvesting the bulbils once they have developed and planting them in well-draining soil. Once the bulbils have developed and are visible, simply remove them from the flowering stem. Plant the bulbils in well-draining soil with the top just showing and keep the soil slightly moist until new growth appears.
Disease and Pest Management for Brodiaea Terrestris Kellogg ssp. Kernensis (Hoover) Niehaus
Brodiaea terrestris Kellogg ssp. kernensis (Hoover) Niehaus is typically a hardy plant that can withstand most diseases and pests. However, there are a few common conditions that may affect the plant and require management intervention.
Diseases
One disease that may impact Brodiaea terrestris Kellogg ssp. kernensis is leaf spot. This fungal disease can cause leaf discoloration, yellowed areas, and even holes in the leaves. To prevent this disease, avoid overhead watering and provide adequate spacing between plants to improve circulation.
Rust is another disease that may affect this plant, causing orange or brown pustules on the leaves. This is also a fungal disease that spreads easily, so remove any affected plants and do not compost them. If caught early, treating with a fungicide may also be helpful.
Pests
The main pest that affects Brodiaea terrestris Kellogg ssp. kernensis is the onion thrip. These tiny insects feed on the leaves and flowers of the plant, causing damage and discoloration. To manage this pest, introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil if the infestation is severe.
Another pest that may cause issues with this plant is the Brodiaea bulb fly. These flies lay eggs on the bulbs, which hatch into larvae that feed on the plant's tissues. To prevent this, avoid planting the bulbs in areas with high humidity or moisture. If you do find signs of infestation, remove the affected bulbs and dispose of them appropriately.
Overall, the best way to manage disease and pest issues with Brodiaea terrestris Kellogg ssp. kernensis is through preventative measures like proper spacing, irrigation, and providing ideal environmental conditions for the plant to thrive. Swift management intervention when issues arise can also help prevent further damage and improve plant health.
