Bells Of Ireland, Moluccella Laevis
Short Description
Excellent flowers for arrangements, fresh or cuts or dried.
Full Description
HEIRLOOM. An attention-getter in the border. Stems are arrayed with spectacular green bell-shaped bracts that are straw-
colored when dried. Grows best in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil.
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Product properties
Sun The amount of sunlight this product needs daily in order to perform well in the garden. Full sun means 6 hours of direct sun per day; partial sun means 2-4 hours of direct sun per day; shade means little or no direct sun.
Full Sun, Part Sun
Height The typical height of this product at maturity.
30 inches
Spread The width of the plant at maturity.
10-12 inches
Ornamental Use Ways in which the product may be used in the garden for ornamental effect.
Borders, Dried Flowers
Life Cycle This refers to whether a plant is an annual, biennial or perennial. Annuals complete their life cycles in one year; biennials produce foliage the first year and bloom and go to seed the second year; perennials can live for more than two years.
Annual
Sow Method This refers to whether the seed should be sown early indoors and the seedlings transplanted outside later, or if the seed should be sown directly in the garden at the recommended planting time.
Indoor Sow
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Sowing Directly in the Garden:
- Prechilling the seeds for 1-2 weeks at about 40 degrees F can aid germination.
- Direct sow seeds in average soil with good drainage in full sun after danger of heavy frost.
- Prepare the soil by removing weeds and working organic matter into the top 6-8 inches of soil; then level and smooth.
- Most plants respond well to soils amended with organic matter. Compost is a wonderful form of organic matter with a good balance of nutrients and an ideal pH level, it can be added to your planting area at any time. If compost is not available, top dress the soil after planting with 1-2 inches of organic mulch, which will begin to breakdown into compost. After the growing season, a soil test will indicate what soil amendments are needed for the following season.
- Sow seeds about 12 inches apart and cover with ¼ inch of fine soil.
- Firm soil lightly with your hand, water and keep evenly moist.
- Seedlings will emerge in 7-14 days.
- Keep weeds under control during the growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their seeds from germinating.
- Mulches also help retain soil moisture and maintain even soil temperatures. For annuals an organic mulch of shredded leaves lends a natural look to the bed and will improve the soil as it breaks down in time. Always keep mulches off a plant’s stems to prevent possible rot.
- Plants need about 1 inch of rain per week during the growing season. Use a rain gauge to check to see if you need to add water. It's best to water with a drip or trickle system that delivers water at low pressure at the soil level. If you water with overhead sprinklers, water early in the day so the foliage has time to dry off before evening, to minimize disease problems. Keep the soil moist but not saturated.
- Water moderately and fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
- Monitor for pests and diseases. Check with your local Cooperative Extension Service for pest controls recommended for your area.
- Stake plants while they are still young.
- Excellent for cut or dried flowers.
- For fresh use, cut the spikes once they have reached the desired length.
- For drying, cut them when the calyxes are still green or as they begin to turn beige.
- Bells of Ireland adds unusual color and texture to the beds and borders.
Sun
Full Sun, Part Sun
Height
30 inches
Spread
10-12 inches
Ornamental Use
Borders, Dried Flowers
Life Cycle
Annual
Sow Method
Indoor Sow
Flowering
Yes
Bloom Duration
10 weeks
Flower color
Green
Bells Of Ireland, Moluccella Laevis is rated
out of
5 by
7.
Rated 5 out of
5
by
mtgardner from
These area a great bushy plant.
I direct planted these at the end of May. It's mid August and the plant is about 20" tall and continuing to grow.
Date published: 2015-08-17
Rated 1 out of
5
by
ehea from
very little germination
bad seeds from burpee this year, very few seeds actually did anything across the board.
Date published: 2015-04-14
Rated 3 out of
5
by
Rothe from
I have not had luck with this plant. I followed the directions on the seed packet and sprouts grew to about one inch tall then died. Hoping for better luck when the weather cools again.
Date published: 2012-06-29
Rated 2 out of
5
by
malibu from
BELLS OF IRELAND
I SAW THEM AT A FLOWER SHOW AND FOUND THEM VERY PRETTY..I ORDERED A PACKET OF SEEDS....THE FIRST PACKET OF SEEDS ....ONLY 11 CAME UP..IT TOOK OVER 3 MONTHS....THE SECOND PACKET TOOK TWO MONTHS AND NOW I HAVE ABOUT A DOZEN VERY VERY SMALL PLANTS POPPING UP......
I HOPE THEY WILL GROW....I GIVE THEM WATER AND SUN.......
Date published: 2012-05-09
Rated 4 out of
5
by
koffeebraker from
So lovely!
I planted these two years ago and was very, very pleased. They are stunning. I didn't have to do anything special (I watered in the a.m. and misted at late afternoon/early evening); I planted them and they grew. Everyone who saw them commented on them, and a couple of friends have asked what these plants are called and where they can get them. Of course, I made referrals! I've ordered some more this spring and am looking forward to planting.
Date published: 2009-04-16
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Anonymous from
My Personal Favorite
I found these to be a beautiful addition to my garden. Very Stunning. Did require some staking.
Date published: 2009-02-10
Rated 1 out of
5
by
cotton from
No luck with these
I purchased these seeds and started indoors with my grow lights and heat mats and still had no luck. A few sprang up but were so lanky that they never amounted to anything. I really loved these and was disappointed.
Date published: 2008-06-13