Description

Blue dicks is one of the most widespread of California’s many geophytes. It grows in many settings in nearly every county. Following summer dormancy, blue dicks send up several narrow grass-like leaves. The leaves become larger and more numerous year after year as the bulb matures. Once the bulb has adequate resources, a cluster of (typically) lavender flowers rise on a tall stalk in early to mid spring. As the season advances blue dicks drop abundant seed and the entire plant goes dormant for the summer and fall. There will be no above-ground growth during dormancy. It’s important to “respect” summer dormancy, since water will likely rot the bulb during the warm months. Blue dicks will grow in a variety of soils. It appreciates a sunny site. This is one of the most prolific California bulbs, producing numerous offset bulbs to form quite a patch.