Bells of Ireland (Organic)
Moluccella laevis. 90 days.
A garden classic that has been featured in bouquets since before green flowers were cool, Bells of Ireland has been cultivated since the 1500s! Highly branched plants produce many spires of lime green, bell-shaped “flowers” that grow to 18” to three feet tall. The actual flowers are tiny and white, and the green bells are the calyx. Lasts a long time in a vase and makes a surprisingly good dried flower, too. Green color fades when dried to a straw color. Represents luck. Native to Turkey, Syria, and the Caucasus. Germination may be slow and erratic. Aka, Shellflower.
The germination test result for our current seed lot of Bells of Ireland was 40% on 9/08/2023. Due to the low germination test result, this variety will be double packed to contain twice the amount of seed purchased. Sow heavily.
Surface sow in early spring, requires light to germinate. Germination may be slow and erratic and benefits from stratification. May also be sown indoors for transplant 8 weeks before last frost. Thin or transplant to 12″ spacing. Grows well in full sun to part shade, in well-drained soil.
Seed Saving
To save seed, sow plants early in spring and harvest when seeds easily rub out of seed heads. Cut seed stalks when seeds are dry, thresh by hand, dancing, or hitting seed stalk against sides of bucket. Winnow and screen to clean.
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