Himantoglossum hircinum, the lizard orchid bulbs or seed pods, ground orchid, animal pest control

Delivery information: We ship with DHL for orders of 100euros and more we give free shipping, for small orders we ship with Laposte. We will be sending plant passports with each species, your order will arrive in 2-3 days with DHL. 

Our bulbs are grown in red clay on our farm. We package them in moss for safe travels to you.

Our seed pods are harvested at just the right time while still closed yet ripe. We dehydrate them at 35 degrees and put the in plastic seed containers for the perfect condition until use.
We sell the red clay substrate 100g which we recommend using, and a sheet of moss which we recommend place on top of the substrate once the seeds are sown.
We also recommend buying one 2 year bulb o grow in the same substrate as the seeds, success of germination is significantly higher when a bulb is grown near them, a 2 year old bulb is sufficient, this is because of a relationship with mycorrhizal fungus.

How to sow: mix the red clay substrate with potting soil - in a seeding tray 7-10cm thick, water substrate then compact it with your fist. Take the seed pod and crushed it slightly, a fine dust of seeds will come out, once the seeds are out do not touch them. Cover with the moss sheet, then water gently, the water will disperse the seeds more.

Place the tray in the fridge for 12 weeks for a chilling time.

Take the tray out and place in partial shade spray with water once a week.

germination in 8 or 11 months

The success of germination is significantly higher when a bulb is grown near them, a 2 year old bulb is sufficient, this is because of a relationship with mycorrhizal fungus.

A species of orchid in the genus Himantoglossum native to the mediterranean. We use them to stop wild boar and other wild goats from eating our delicious veggies. We plant them around the vegetable patch, and it is the smell which is repulsive to grazing animals and boar. My horses will also turn up their nose to this orchid. Flowers strongly smell of male goats (No really! :p)

H. hircinum is a perennial herbaceaous plant, reaching a height of 115 centimetres (45 in).
It persists in the soil as a pair of ovoid/subglobose tubers, with short roots. Its leaves are 5-20cm long, with basal leaves larger than aerial leaves and the plant is glabrous.
Flowers are green-white with a long twisting/coiled labellum which may be tinged with a variety of colours; white, green, purple or brown.

The Lizard Orchid is pollinated by insects and, in particular, bees. The long, tail-like lip is often spiralled and dotted with pink or purple in the centre.

She is a very striking tall Orchid she flowers from late April -July and seeds quite easily compared to many other orchids.

The 'lizard' in the plant's English common-name refers to the shape and colour of the flowers. The Latin genus Himantoglossum means 'strap-tongue', after the shape of the flower labellum and the species epithet 'hircinum' means 'of goats', after the smell the flowers produce.
In German the plant is known as 'Bocks Riemenzunge', which translates as 'buck's (ie. goat's) strap-tongue'. The French name 'l'orchis bouc' means 'buck (ie. goat) orchid'.

Choose a planting site:
The Lizard Orchid grows on calcareous soil and likes sunny positions. If you live in a growing region that is very hot and dry, you will need to choose a location that receives a bit more shade.

Dig holes with your fingers or a small trowel. The holes should be 3 to 4 inches deep and 2 to 3 inches wide. Space the holes 12 inches apart.

Place a bulb into each hole and lightly pack the soil around the bulbs. Gently tap down on the soil to ensure that no air pockets remain around the bulb. Water thoroughly and plan to water whenever the soil dries out. When the bulbs begin to sprout and grow, mist them every day or two with a water bottle.

Fertilize every two months during the growing season with a liquid plant fertilizer that is at half strength.