Lift and Store Chasmanthe Corms: A Guide to Successful Storage and Planting

Chasmanthe corms are flowering bulbs native to South Africa that produce stunning orange-red blooms in the spring. While these plants are relatively easy to grow, properly lifting and storing their corms is crucial for their long-term health and success. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of lifting and storing your chasmanthe corms so that you can enjoy their beautiful blooms year after year.

Understanding Chasmanthe Corms

Before we dive into the process of lifting and storing chasmanthe corms, it's important to have a basic understanding of what corms are and how they work. Corms are essentially modified stems that store nutrients and energy for the plant. Unlike bulbs, which have layers of fleshy scales surrounding a central shoot, corms are solid and don't have any protective coverings.

In nature, chasmanthe corms typically stay in the ground year-round and go dormant during the dry season. When conditions are favorable (usually in the fall), the corms sprout new growth and eventually produce flowers in the spring. If you live in an area with cold winters or other unfavorable conditions, however, you'll need to lift and store your corms to protect them from damage.

Lifting Chasmanthe Corms

The best time to lift chasmanthe corms is after the foliage has died back but before the first frost. This usually happens in late summer or early fall, depending on your location. To lift your corms:

1. Use a garden fork or spade to dig around the base of the plant, being careful not to damage the corms.
2. Gently lift the clump of corms out of the ground and shake off any loose soil.
3. Remove any dead or damaged leaves and cut the remaining foliage back to about 2 inches above the corms.
4. Inspect each corm carefully for signs of damage or disease. Discard any that show signs of rot, insect damage, or other issues.
5. Allow the corms to air dry in a cool, dark place for several days, until the outer layer is dry and papery to the touch.

Storing Chasmanthe Corms

Once your chasmanthe corms have dried, it's time to store them for the winter. Follow these steps to ensure that your corms stay healthy and viable until it's time to plant them again in the spring:

1. Choose a storage container that's large enough to hold all of your corms without crowding them. A cardboard box or paper bag works well, as long as it's sturdy enough to support the weight of the corms.
2. Add a layer of dry sawdust or peat moss to the bottom of the container.
3. Place the corms in the container, making sure that they're not touching each other or the sides of the container.
4. Add another layer of sawdust or peat moss on top of the corms, then cover the container loosely with a lid or plastic wrap.
5. Store the container in a cool, dry, dark place where the temperature stays between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. A garage, basement, or unheated room in your home should work well.
6. Check on your corms periodically throughout the winter to make sure that they're still firm and healthy. If any corms start to shrivel or rot, remove them from the container immediately to prevent the spread of disease.

Planting Chasmanthe Corms

Once spring arrives and the danger of frost has passed, it's time to plant your chasmanthe corms. Follow these steps to give your corms the best possible chance of success:

1. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil.
2. Dig a hole that's about twice as deep as the height of the corm.
3. Place the corm in the hole with the pointed end facing up and cover it with soil.
4. Water the newly planted corm thoroughly, then water it regularly throughout the growing season to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
5. Fertilize the plant once or twice during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer (such as a 10-10-10 formula).
6. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage the plant to produce more flowers.
7. In late summer or early fall, after the foliage has died back, repeat the process of lifting and storing your chasmanthe corms.

Chasmanthe Corms in Bloom

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