How to Plant Mexican Shell Flowers (Tigridia)

Plant Mexican shell flower bulbs after your last frost, 2–3 inches deep and 4–5 inches apart, in full sun. Each flower lasts one day, but new ones keep opening for several weeks in summer.

When to plant
Spring, after your last frost
Depth
2–3 inches, pointed end up
Spacing
4–5 inches apart, in groups of 5–6
Sun
Full sun; they won't grow in full shade
Water
Water in after planting and during dry spells; the bed should drain freely
Soil
Well-drained sandy or loamy soil; added organic matter is fine

Step by step

  1. Until frost has passed, keep the bulbs somewhere cool, dry and frost-free.
  2. Choose a spot in full sun with soil that drains well. Sandy or loamy soil suits them best.
  3. Plant the bulbs in groups of 5–6, pointed end up, 2–3 inches deep and 4–5 inches apart.
  4. Water well to settle the soil.
  5. Water during dry spells through the summer.

After bloom

In zone 7 or colder, dig the bulbs in fall once the leaves yellow, before a hard frost. Let them dry, then store them in dry sand somewhere around 50°F until spring and replant after your last frost. You can also treat them as annuals and plant fresh bulbs each year.