Small Camas
Camassia quamash · Quamash · CamasUSDA | Grow Zone
3-9Outdoors all year in zones 3 to 9. Anywhere colder, keep it as a houseplant. Protect it below 32°F.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Weekly, keep soil damp
- Humidity
- 40-60%
- Temperature
- 60-75°F
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Growth
- Moderate
- Mature size
- 12-18 in tall
- Pets
- Non-toxic to pets
Camassia quamash, commonly known as Small Camas, is a beautiful flowering bulb native to North America. It is cherished for its stunning blue flowers and adaptability in various garden settings, making it a popular choice among gardeners.
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Ideal temperature
60-75°F is where it grows fastest. Below 32°F cold damage starts.
Spacing and harvest
- Mature size
- 12-18 in tall
- Plant apart
- 6-12 in
- Frost
- Half hardy: light frost only
Everything it needs
9 essentials at a glance
Watering
Camassia quamash prefers consistently moist soil, especially during its growing season in spring and early summer.
Water weekly, ensuring the soil remains damp but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in late summer and fall as the plant enters dormancy. Signs of over-watering include yellowing leaves and root rot, while under-watering may cause wilting and browning leaf tips.
Light
This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade, ideally receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
It prefers bright, filtered light in hotter climates, making it suitable for garden beds or naturalized areas. Too much shade can lead to leggy growth and fewer flowers.
Soil
Camassia quamash flourishes in well-draining, loamy soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.
It benefits from a mix that includes organic matter like compost to enhance drainage and nutrient content. Ensure the soil does not retain excess moisture to prevent bulb rot.
Humidity
This plant prefers moderate humidity levels, around 40-60%.
To increase humidity, consider misting the leaves or placing a tray of water nearby. Signs of low humidity stress include browning leaf edges and stunted growth.
Temperature
Camassia quamash thrives in temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C) and is hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
It can tolerate light frosts but should be protected from extreme heat. During summer dormancy, it can withstand higher temperatures if kept adequately watered.
Fertilizing
Use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 during the growing season, applying it every 4-6 weeks.
Reduce fertilization in late summer and fall. Signs of nutrient deficiency include yellowing leaves and poor flowering.
Pruning
Prune Camassia quamash after flowering by removing spent flower stalks to encourage healthy growth.
Use sharp, clean pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant. Avoid cutting back foliage until it has died back naturally, as it helps nourish the bulbs.
Repotting
Repotting is generally not necessary for Camassia quamash, as it prefers to remain in the ground.
However, if grown in pots, consider repotting every 2-3 years or when the bulbs become crowded. Choose a pot that is 2 inches larger in diameter and ensure it has good drainage.
Propagation
Propagation can be achieved through bulb division or seeds.
For bulb division, wait until the foliage dies back in late summer, then carefully lift the bulbs and separate them. Replant immediately at a depth of 3-4 inches. For seed propagation, collect seeds after flowering and sow them in a cold frame in fall or spring.
When it's unhappy
Yellow leaves
Why it happens
This can be caused by over-watering or nutrient deficiency.
How to fix it
Ensure proper watering practices and consider applying a balanced fertilizer.
Root rot
Why it happens
Excess moisture and poor drainage can lead to root rot.
How to fix it
Improve drainage and reduce watering frequency, removing affected bulbs if necessary.
Leggy growth
Why it happens
Insufficient light can cause the plant to stretch towards the light source.
How to fix it
Move the plant to a sunnier location or provide supplemental lighting.
Poor flowering
Why it happens
This may result from inadequate sunlight or nutrient deficiency.
How to fix it
Ensure the plant receives enough sunlight and consider fertilizing during the growing season.
Browning leaf tips
Why it happens
This can indicate low humidity or under-watering.
How to fix it
Increase humidity levels and adjust watering practices to keep the soil consistently moist.
Care through the year
Spring
In spring, provide consistent moisture as the plant emerges and begins to flower. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks to support growth.
Summer
During summer, reduce watering as the plant enters dormancy. Allow the foliage to die back naturally to nourish the bulbs.
Fall
In fall, continue to reduce watering and prepare for dormancy. Remove any spent flower stalks to maintain appearance.
Winter
In winter, protect the bulbs from extreme cold if in a pot. If planted in the ground, ensure they are well-mulched to prevent frost damage.
Toxicity & Safety
Camassia quamash is non-toxic to pets and children. However, ingestion of large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. It is always best to keep plants out of reach of curious pets and children.
Good to know
How often should I water my Camassia quamash?
Water your Camassia quamash weekly during the growing season, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not soggy.
What type of soil is best for Camassia quamash?
Camassia quamash thrives in well-draining, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5, enriched with organic matter for optimal growth.
Why are my Camassia quamash leaves turning yellow?
Yellow leaves can indicate over-watering or nutrient deficiency. Adjust your watering schedule and consider fertilizing if needed.
Can I grow Camassia quamash in pots?
Yes, Camassia quamash can be grown in pots, but ensure the pot has good drainage and repot every 2-3 years to avoid crowding.
When is the best time to propagate Camassia quamash?
The best time to propagate Camassia quamash is in late summer after the foliage has died back, either through bulb division or seeds.
What light conditions does Camassia quamash prefer?
Camassia quamash prefers full sun to partial shade, ideally receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth.
Is Camassia quamash toxic to pets?
No, Camassia quamash is non-toxic to pets and children, making it a safe choice for gardens and homes.
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