Also known as Tuberose · 63 saves
Polianthes
Polianthes, the genus most gardeners know as tuberose. We track 4 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 4 most-saved Polianthes varieties
Species of Polianthes
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Polianthes in Sow
Save the Polianthes you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Polianthes
Whats common across all Polianthes varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 4 most-grown of them.
The Polianthes year
- PlantApril and May100% of varieties
Plant tubers 2 inches deep after the danger of frost has passed
- StakeJuly and August75% of varieties
Stake tall flower spikes to prevent bending or breaking
- FertilizeMay–July75% of varieties
Apply balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during active growth
- Lift & StoreOctober75% of varieties
Dig tubers after foliage yellows, cure, and store dry in a cool place
Do
- Water consistently during active growth 🌱
- Apply balanced fertilizer monthly
- Mulch to retain moisture
- Plant in full sun in rich, free-draining soil ☀️
- Feed steadily through the growing season 🌿
Avoid
- Overwater to avoid tuber rot ❌
- Expose to excessive shade
- Neglect pruning after flowering
- Plant it before the soil has warmed ❌
What goes wrong with Polianthes
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky honeydew and distorted leaves | Use neem oil spray or insecticidal soap |
| Bulb fly | Larvae damage bulbs, causing rot | Apply organic insecticidal soap around bulbs |
| Fungal disease | Yellowing leaves, mold on bulbs | Use a fungicide and improve drainage |
| Root rot | Wilting and blackened tubers | Improve soil drainage and reduce watering |
| Generally disease-free | No significant disease issues are typical | Provide free-draining soil and store dormant bulbs dry |
| Bulb rot | Soft, decaying bulbs | Ensure well-drained soil and avoid overwatering |
Making more Polianthes
Tuber division
- Dig up mature tubers in fall.
- Cut tubers into sections with at least one eye each.
- Allow cuts to callus for 2-3 days.
- Plant in well-draining soil in early spring.
Seed propagation
- Collect seeds from mature seed heads.
- Sow seeds on moist soil surface.
- Keep soil consistently moist and warm for germination (4-6 weeks).
Polianthes questions
How many types of Polianthes are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 4 distinct Polianthes varieties. The most popular — ranked by 63 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Polianthes grow in?
Across its varieties, Polianthes covers USDA Zones 5–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Polianthes bloom?
Most Polianthes varieties bloom in late summer, late summer to early fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Polianthes 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.