New & now
Seaside Squill in sight! Old wives’ tale suggests that this Maltese plant is a sign of a storm brewing
Sweater weather, is that you?

Emma Galea

As the peak of summer begins to die down, summer lovers begin to soak up every moment they’ve got in the sun, while winter babies eagerly await the start of autumn, winter and sweater weather.

According to Maltese Islands Weather, the Seaside Squill (Basal tal-Ghansar in Maltese) hints when a storm is brewing, as it typically blooms right before storms hit land. “Furthermore, a fairly straight stalk indicates a wet autumn and winter, whilst a more crooked stalk indicates a dry autumn and winter,” the weather page notes.

Pembroke Natura 2000 nature park has detailed the plant’s interesting life cycle.

'This plant lives underground as a bulb within which energy and nutrients are stored. In summer, the leaves dry up and it flowers in late summer or autumn using the nutrients in bulb,' the park wrote.

'The flowers gradually dry up and the process of photosynthesis repeats itself at the start of the rainy season, when new shoots and leaves start to come up,' it continued.

That’s why years ago, when meteorology was practically non-existent, people used to rely on the Sea Squill’s life cycle to gauge the start of the rainy season.

If you do happen to come across a Sea Squill, please refrain from picking them as they’re vital for our pollinators!

Not only that, but it’s way more fun to observe this amazing plant in its natural habitat.

Are you more of a summer lover or winter baby?

28th August 2025


Emma Galea
Written by
Emma Galea
Emma is a Gozitan writer who loves all things related to English literature and history. When not busy studying or writing you will either find her immersed in a fictional book or at the cinema trying to watch as many films as she possibly can!

You may also like...
New & now
New & now
Pets will be given welcome gifts, special beds and sWAG bags and even their own Spotify playlists

Tim Diacono
New & now
New & now
The restoration focused on ecological protection, public safety, and visitor accessibility.

Lyndsey Grima
New & now
New & now
Wind speeds are set to reach Force 7 overnight with powerful gusts hitting Force 8!

Lyndsey Grima
New & now
New & now
During the month of April, Malta’s highest temperature averages at around 20°C.

Emma Galea