Galtonia ‘Moonbeam’ have been developed in New Zealand and look very similar to Galtonia candicans. It is a relatively new cut flower but initial feedback from the markets in Asia, Europe and America, have been promising. Galtonia ‘Moonbeam’ develops from a perennial bulb and flowers in summer. It has upright, double-petalled flowers that are usually white or white-green in colour.
Galtonia ‘Moonbeam’ flower stems can grow up to 2.0 metres high and produce 10 to 40 flowers per stem. Southland produces quality flowers, but care must be taken with sun protection over the flowering period.
Propagation:
Galtonia bulbs are planted in raised beds with their tops just below the soil surface.
Yields/ha:
unknown but usual spacing is between 60–80 bulbs m2
Time of flowering:
February/March
Crop Protection:
Protection from the wind is required. For best results these flowers should be grown in a tunnel house or under plastic with shade at flowering time.
Soil type:
Galtonia are planted in a peat/bark mix. Adequate water supplies are needed during the growing season. Drying out of the root system during the growing season is very damaging to productivity. Excessive plant nutrients have damaging effects on final flower quality. pH6.0–7.0
Fertilisers:
A general purpose NPK fertiliser is required. A specialist fertiliser mix (Moondust) is also available.
Pest/Diseases:
Aphids, Thrips, heat damage, moisture damage
Harvesting:
Galtonia ‘Moonbeam’ are harvested for flower export when one third of the flowers are open. Stems should be placed in water as soon as they are cut. Stems must be pulsed and stored for 24 hours before packing. Bulbs are not lifted until the majority of foliage has died off. The bulbs are dried and stored at a cool temperature for a period of 3–4 months.
Marketing:
Galtonia ‘Moonbeam’ are exported fresh to a range of markets mainly in Asia and the USA.
Further Info:
flowers stems flowering ‘moonbeam’ galtonia flower protection growing bulbs fertiliser