How to plant Gloriosa

Gloriosa are tender perennials and should be kept away from frost. They must be started off indoors or in a greenhouse in the spring and will need to be lifted in autumn for winter storage.


Plant between 1-3 tubers into 10-14” pots with multipurpose compost between March and May and grow them on indoors or in a heated greenhouse. You can also plant the tubers directly outside into borders or patio containers in May.

Plant the bulbs lengthways as a depth of around 5cm deep. One end of the tuber should be pointed or pink – this is the growing tip.

Space the bulbs around 15cm apart from each other, or at a further spacing in borders.

When planting outdoors, choose a sheltered position in full sun with free-draining soil.

Water-in after planting continue to water regularly when in growth. Allow the soil to become almost dry between watering. Don’t allow the tubers to sit in wet soil.

Cut back stems to 3cm above soil level in autumn before the first frost. Move containers with Gloriosa into a frost-free location for winter. Bulbs planted in borders should be lifted and stored in a cool but frost-free place until the following spring.

Planting instructions