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Bells of Ireland
Bells of Ireland
Seed Packet

Bells of Ireland

Moluccella laevis
Fresh green bells, the calyx, surround the tiny true flowers of the palest lavender and white. These bells grow in whorls around the minty-scented hollow stems of this cut flower favorite. Cultivated for centuries since its introduction from Syria in 1570, it can be dried, the bells eventually fading to a tea-rinsed linen hue.
SKU #S255
$3.25
Growing Companions
Zinnia 'Benary's Giant Lime'
Zinnia 'Benary's Giant Lime'
Orlaya 'White Lace'
Orlaya 'White Lace'
Ridolfia 'Goldspray'
Ridolfia 'Goldspray'
Love-in-a-Mist 'Delft Blue'
Love-in-a-Mist 'Delft Blue'
Details
Approximate Seeds Per Packet
90
Lifecycle
Annual
Annual Hardiness
Half Hardy Annual
Mature Size
2-3' h x 1-1.5' w
Sun
Full sun
Soil
Regular, moist, well-drained
Season
Summer
Color
Shells of green surrounding pale lavender to white
Features
Great Cut Flower
Attracts Bees
SOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Depth:
1/8"
Sprout Time:
14-21 days
Seed To Bloom:
12-16 weeks
Starting Indoors:
Start in containers 8-10 weeks before last spring frost. Sow in peat pots and refrigerate for 5 days, then keep at about 60-65°F. Alternating warm and cool temperatures can be beneficial, 50-75F.
Starting Outdoors:
Recommended. Direct sow at last frost date; fall in mild winter areas (zones 8-10).
WHEN TO SET OUTSIDE
At last spring frost date.
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
Bells of Ireland is a rarity in the flower garden but a star of the cutting garden, grown for the cup-shaped green calyces that provide all the decorative effect. Grow with purple nicotianas and heliotrope for a vivid contrast, or cut for long-lasting fresh bouquets. Best in cooler summer areas, as it resents heat. It may require staking in windy locations if straight stems are needed. Caution: stems have small thorns.
Final Spacing:
1'
Water Requirements:
High Water Use
Watering Details:
Keep moist—1+" per week is recommended, but avoid saturated soils.
Soil pH:
Slightly acidic to slightly alkaline.
Fertilizer:
Add 1" of compost or mix in an organic fertilizer.
Diseases & Pests:
No major pests or diseases.
When to Cut for Bouquets:
Cut fresh when half of the flowers have opened, or when the stem length is optimum. Cut for dried arrangements when all of the "bells" are firm.