Origin
Dichelostemma pulchellum (Salisb.) Heller var. capitatum (Benth.) Reveal, commonly known as Blue dicks, is a plant species belonging to the family Asparagaceae. It is native to western North America, particularly from British Columbia to Baja California in Mexico.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known by several names including blue dicks, brodiaea, wild hyacinth, grass-nut, and Southern Death Camas.
Uses
The bulb of the blue dicks plant has traditionally been used by the indigenous people of California as a source of food. The bulb was usually cooked in a pit oven and eaten when soft. The bulb also provided a source of starch that was used for making bread and other foods. The plant has also been used for medicinal purposes. The sap extracted from the plant was used for treating cuts, burns, and wounds.
General Appearance
The blue dicks plant is a perennial herb that grows up to 1.5 feet tall. It has narrow, grass-like leaves that grow from the base of the stem. The stem is slender and bears an umbel of blue to purple flowers at the top. The flowers have six petal-like segments and are arranged in a spherical cluster. The plant blooms from March to May and produces a capsule fruit that contains many small, black seeds.
Growth Conditions of Dichelostemma pulchellum (Salisb.) Heller var. capitatum (Benth.) Reveal
Dichelostemma pulchellum (Salisb.) Heller var. capitatum (Benth.) Reveal, commonly known as Blue Dicks, is a perennial plant that is native to western North America. As a member of the Asparagaceae family, it requires specific growth conditions to thrive.
Light Requirements
Dichelostemma pulchellum prefers full to partial sun exposure throughout the day. The plant can survive in a shaded environment but may not produce as many flowers.
Temperature Requirements
The Blue Dicks are tolerant to a range of temperatures. An average temperature range of 45 – 85°F is influential in its growth. However, the ideal temperature range is between 60-80°F. The plant may tolerate low temperatures but cannot sustain high heat conditions.
Soil and Water Requirements
Dichelostemma pulchellum grows best in well-drained, slightly acidic soils with adequate water supply. However, the plant can also tolerate dry soils for prolonged periods. The ideal pH balance for the soil should be between 6.0 to 7.5. The plant should receive enough water to keep the soil moist, but not to the extent that it remains soggy.
Fertilizer Requirements
The Blue Dicks' do not require fertilization for their growth. However, applying a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, during the initial planting phase, may encourage growth.
Conclusion
Dichelostemma pulchellum (Salisb.) Heller var. capitatum (Benth.) Reveal is a resilient, low-maintenance plant that thrives under the right growing conditions. By providing full to partial sun exposure, well-drained soil, and adequate water supply, this plant can grow and bloom optimally.
Cultivation Methods
Dichelostemma pulchellum (Salisb.) Heller var. capitatum (Benth.) Reveal commonly grows in full sunlight, but it can grow in partial shade. The plant prefers well-drained soil and moderate watering. Planting can occur after the last frost when the soil has warmed to about 18°C. Seeds need stratification, which is exposure to moist cold temperatures for several weeks before planting to increase the likelihood of germination. The foliage will die back after flowering but will regenerate the next year.
Watering Needs
Dichelostemma pulchellum (Salisb.) Heller var. capitatum (Benth.) Reveal has a moderate watering requirement. The plant prefers dry soil but requires infrequent watering when it is established. Watering before the soil dries out is preferable to overwatering, which can cause the plant to rot.
Fertilization
The plant requires little fertilizer. However, adding a small amount of phosphorus and potassium to the soil before planting can increase root growth and blooming rates. Avoid adding too much nitrogen as it can cause excessive foliage growth and inhibit blooming.
Pruning
After flowering, the plant will continue to grow foliage, which should not be pruned. As the foliage dies back, it should be removed. Deadheading, the practice of removing flowers as they fade, is unnecessary as Dichelostemma pulchellum (Salisb.) Heller var. capitatum (Benth.) Reveal is self-cleaning.
Propagation of Dichelostemma pulchellum var. capitatum
Dichelostemma pulchellum var. capitatum can be propagated through various methods. It is recommended to propagate the plant during the spring season. Here are some of the propagation methods:
Division
The most common method of propagating Dichelostemma pulchellum var. capitatum is through division. To do this, dig up the mature clumps of bulbs and separate them carefully into smaller clumps. Each clump should have at least one or two bulbs and some roots. Replant the separated clumps in well-draining soil and water thoroughly. It is recommended to keep the newly divided plants in a shaded area for a few weeks until they develop new roots and establish themselves.
Seeds
Propagation of Dichelostemma pulchellum var. capitatum can also be done through seeds. Harvest the mature seeds from the plant during the fall season when they have turned brown. Soak the seeds in water for a day or two, then plant them in well-draining soil. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and water thoroughly. Keep the newly planted seeds in a warm and shaded area. The seeds will germinate within two to four weeks.
Bulb offsets
Dichelostemma pulchellum var. capitatum produces bulb offsets that can be used for propagation. These offsets appear around the base of the mature bulbs. Carefully separate the offsets from the parent bulb, making sure that each offset has some roots attached to it. Replant the offsets in well-draining soil, water thoroughly, and shade them for a few weeks until they establish themselves.
Propagation of Dichelostemma pulchellum var. capitatum can be done through various methods. It is recommended to use a well-draining soil mix and keep the newly propagated plants in a shaded area until they establish themselves. With proper care, Dichelostemma pulchellum var. capitatum can become a beautiful addition to your garden.
Disease Management
Dichelostemma pulchellum (Salisb.) Heller var. capitatum (Benth.) Reveal is a relatively disease-resistant plant, but it can still be vulnerable to some common diseases.
One of the most common diseases that affects this plant is fungal leaf spots. These spots appear as small, circular, brown or black lesions on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is important to remove and destroy the infected leaves and provide good air circulation around the plant by spacing them properly. Additionally, avoid overhead watering that can promote the growth of these fungal spores. Applying a fungicide can also help prevent the disease from spreading.
Anthracnose is another fungal disease that can affect Dichelostemma pulchellum. The symptoms are similar to those of fungal leaf spots, but they are usually larger and have a distinct border. To manage anthracnose, apply fungicides and keep the plant properly trimmed to ensure good air circulation.
Pest Management
Dichelostemma pulchellum (Salisb.) Heller var. capitatum (Benth.) Reveal is also relatively pest-resistant, but still, there are some pests that can affect it.
One of the most common pests is the spider mite, which is a small arachnid that can cause yellowing and mottling of leaves. To manage spider mites, you can spray the plant with a stream of water to knock them off the plant and remove any infested leaves, providing proper humidity levels maintaining soil moisture and applying insecticide.
Another common pest is the thrips, which are tiny, slender insects that can cause terminal damage to the plant's flowers and leaves. To manage thrips, apply insecticidal soap, remove any infested plant debris, and maintain a clean garden environment.
Lastly, slugs and snails can also be a problem, especially during the spring. These pests feed on the leaves and flowers and can cause significant damage. To manage slugs and snails, remove any hiding places such as piles of debris, apply slug bait and maintain good soil fertility so the growth of the plant happens early enough before greater damage is done.
