Chasmanthe are tender perennials and must be kept away from frost. They are best started off indoors or in a greenhouse in spring and protected from freezing winter conditions.

— For best results, grow them on in warm conditions in the spring to give them a head start in the growing season. Pot up in individual 9cm pots or cell trays between March and May and grow them on in a greenhouse. You can transplant temporarily potted Chasmanthe outside from May onwards. Alternatively, you can plant them directly into patio containers and grow on in a greenhouse in spring, or you can plant them straight outside in May.

— Plant the bulbs around 5-10cm deep with the pointed side facing upwards.

— Space the bulbs around 10-15cm apart in borders, or closer together (5-8cm) in patio pots for a fuller display.

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

— If planting in patio containers, use a free-draining compost such as multipurpose or soil-based with added sand.

— Water-in after planting and continue to water regularly when in growth.

— Allow the soil to become almost dry between watering while the bulbs are still dormant. Don’t allow the dormant bulbs to sit in wet and cold soil in the spring.

— Chasmanthe can take a year to establish before flowering and the bulbs are best left undisturbed. For best results, Chasmanthe are best grown in containers where they can be moved to a sheltered location for winter without the need to disturb them. Bulbs planted in borders should be lifted and stored in a cool but frost-free place until the following spring.