Also known as Camas · 222 saves
Camassia
Camassia, the genus most gardeners know as camas. We track 5 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 5 most-saved Camassia varieties
2 species of Camassia
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Camassia in Sow
Save the Camassia you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Camassia
Whats common across all Camassia varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 5 most-grown of them.
The Camassia year
- PlantSeptember–November100% of varieties
Plant bulbs 4-6 inches deep in fall for spring bloom
- FertilizeFebruary and March100% of varieties
Apply bulb fertilizer as new shoots emerge in early spring
- DeadheadMay and June80% of varieties
Remove spent flower stalks, but leave foliage to ripen naturally
- Spring CleanupJune60% of varieties
Cut back dead, yellowed foliage once it has fully died back
- DivideJuly40% of varieties
Divide crowded clumps every 3-4 years after foliage dies back
Do
- Water regularly during active growth 🌱
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring
- Mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Allow foliage to yellow and die back naturally
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
- Do not disturb bulbs during dormancy
- Refrain from fertilizing late in the season
- Avoid planting in poorly drained soil
What goes wrong with Camassia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Bulb mites | Stunted growth and discolored leaves | Use organic neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Bulb Fly | Larvae damage bulbs, causing rot | Use organic neem oil or apply beneficial nematodes |
| Bulb Mites | Deformed or decayed bulbs | Apply organic neem oil or use beneficial nematodes |
| Fungal rot | Soft, rotting bulbs with foul smell | Ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering |
| Bulb rot | Soft, decayed bulbs | Ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering |
| Basal Rot | Yellowing leaves, rotted bulbs | Improve drainage and avoid overwatering |
Making more Camassia
Corm division
- Dig up mature clumps in early fall.
- Separate healthy corms with sharp tools.
- Plant immediately at 4-6 inches depth.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
- Allow 6 weeks for root establishment.
Seed sowing
- Collect seeds after flowering.
- Sow seeds in well-draining soil in early spring.
- Keep soil moist and in a shaded location.
- Germination may take several weeks to months.
Camassia questions
How many types of Camassia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 5 distinct Camassia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 222 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Camassia grow in?
Across its varieties, Camassia covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Camassia bloom?
Most Camassia varieties bloom in late spring, mid-spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Camassia should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.