Bells Of Ireland, Moluccella Laevis
Short Description
Excellent flowers for arrangements, fresh or cuts or dried.
Full Description
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
the burpee
difference
satisfaction
guaranteed
non-gmo
since 1876
Images
Video
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.