Kurdish Fritillary Fritillaria crassifolia subsp. kurdica

Water

Kurdish fritillary prefers soil that is moist but well-drained. During active growth in the spring, water regularly to maintain consistent moisture, equivalent to about 1 inch of precipitation per week. However, once the flowering has finished and the leaves start to yellow, typically in late spring or early summer, reduce watering significantly. During the dormant period in summer after the foliage has died back, watering should be very minimal to prevent bulb rot, and you may not need to water at all if there is sufficient rain. It's important not to overwater, so using a gallon or so every week during active growth and then cutting back to slightly less than half a gallon a month during dormancy should suffice.

Light

Kurdish fritillary thrives in full to partial sun conditions. The best spot for this plant would be one where it receives at least six hours of sunlight a day. However, this species can also tolerate some shade, especially in hotter climates where some afternoon shade can protect it from the most intense sunlight. Avoid deep shade locations as this could inhibit the growth and flowering of the fritillary.

Temperature

Kurdish fritillary is adapted to temperate climates and prefers a temperature range that doesn't often drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit or rise above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature for this plant is between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. These temperature ranges will encourage the best flowering and growth patterns, but the bulb is capable of surviving slightly colder winter temperatures provided the soil doesn't remain waterlogged and frozen.

Pruning

Pruning is not typically required for Kurdish fritillary. However, after flowering, you can deadhead the spent flowers to keep the plant looking tidy and to prevent seed formation, which can divert energy from the bulb. Do not cut back the foliage until it has completely died back naturally, as the leaves are necessary for photosynthesis to replenish the bulb for the next growing season. Pruning, in this case, is more about cleaning up dead plant material rather than shaping.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Kurdish fritillary prefers a well-drained soil mix with added sand or perlite to improve drainage, ideally with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mixture of equal parts loam, leaf mold, and grit is recommended.

Repotting

Kurdish fritillary should be repotted every two to three years, allowing the bulb to rest in dry conditions after flowering until the next growing season.

Humidity & Misting

Kurdish fritillary thrives in moderate to low humidity levels, reflecting its native mountainous habitats; it does not require high humidity.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light, cool temperatures, well-draining soil, and minimal watering.

• Outdoor

  Plant in a sunny spot with well-draining soil and shelter from wet conditions.

• Hardiness zone

  5-8 USDA

Life cycle

Fritillaria crassifolia subsp. kurdica, commonly known as Kurdish Fritillary, begins its life cycle with seed germination, typically after a period of dormancy and often triggered by temperature changes in its natural habitat. The germinated seeds give rise to young seedlings that develop a bulb, from which a solitary stem emerges. As the plant matures, it produces a rosette of lance-shaped leaves and eventually sends up a flower stalk with a single bell-shaped, checkered flower, usually in shades of purple or reddish-brown. After pollination, often by insects, the flower develops into a capsule containing numerous seeds. Once seeds are dispersed, the above-ground parts of the plant die back, and the bulb enters a dormant phase, surviving underground during harsh conditions. The plant reemerges from dormancy in the following growing season, completing its annual life cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring

• Fritillaria crassifolia subsp. kurdica, often known as the Kurdish fritillary, is typically propagated through bulb division. This is carried out in late summer to early fall, after the foliage has died back and the plant is dormant. Gardeners carefully dig up the bulbs and gently separate them into individual offsets, ensuring that each offset has at least one growth point. These offsets are then replanted at a depth of about 3 inches (approximately 7.6 centimeters) in well-draining soil, with a spacing of around 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) apart to provide room for growth. This method is favored for its simplicity and effectiveness in producing genetically identical plants to the parent.