Bells Of Ireland: Your Garden's New Statement Piece (from Seed)

shop.ie Editorial Teams

You need 3 min read

·

Post on Mar 27, 2025

63 visitor like this post

Share

Bells of Ireland: Your Garden's New Statement Piece (from Seed)

Want to add a touch of unique elegance and vibrant color to your garden? Look no further than Moluccella laevis, commonly known as Bells of Ireland. These striking plants, with their distinctive, bell-shaped flowers, aren't your typical garden fare – they're statement pieces that command attention. And the best part? Growing them from seed is surprisingly easy!

Why Choose Bells of Ireland?

Bells of Ireland offer a captivating aesthetic unlike any other. Their lime-green, bell-shaped calyxes (the leafy bracts surrounding the tiny flowers) are what truly steal the show. These aren't delicate blooms; they're bold, architectural elements that add a vertical dimension to flower beds and arrangements.

Unique Characteristics & Uses:

• Stunning Color: The vibrant green provides a refreshing contrast to other garden flowers.
• Versatile Height: Reaching heights of 2-4 feet, they make excellent border plants or focal points.
• Long-Lasting: Both in the garden and as cut flowers, Bells of Ireland boast a remarkably long vase life.
• Dried Flower Potential: Their calyxes retain their shape and color beautifully when dried, making them perfect for winter bouquets and crafts.

Growing Bells of Ireland from Seed: A Step-by-Step Guide

Starting Bells of Ireland from seed is a rewarding experience. Here's how to cultivate these beauties:

1. Starting Indoors: Timing is Key

• Best Time: Begin sowing seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. This ensures strong seedlings ready for transplanting once the danger of frost has passed.
• Seed Starting Mix: Use a well-draining seed starting mix; avoid using garden soil directly.
• Sowing: Sow seeds about ¼ inch deep and keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
• Germination: Germination typically takes 10-14 days at temperatures around 70°F (21°C).

2. Transplanting Outdoors: Preparation is Paramount

• Sunlight: Choose a sunny location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Soil: Bells of Ireland thrive in well-draining soil. Amend heavy clay soil with compost to improve drainage.
• Spacing: Space seedlings 12-18 inches apart to allow for ample growth.
• Hardening Off: Gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions over a week before transplanting to prevent shock.

3. Care and Maintenance: Simple Steps to Success

• Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry spells, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
• Fertilizing: A balanced fertilizer applied every few weeks will promote healthy growth.
• Staking: Tall varieties may require staking to prevent them from flopping over, especially in windy conditions.
• Pest and Disease Control: Bells of Ireland are generally pest and disease resistant, but monitor for any signs of problems.

Harvesting and Drying Bells of Ireland

Once the calyxes have fully developed and turned a rich green color (usually around 60-70 days after transplanting), they are ready for harvesting. Cut the stems cleanly, and either use them immediately in fresh arrangements or begin the drying process.

Drying Bells of Ireland: Preserving Your Bounty

• Air Drying: Bundle several stems together and hang them upside down in a cool, dry, dark place for 2-3 weeks.
• Drying Agents: You can speed up the drying process by using silica gel or other drying agents.

Bells of Ireland: Beyond the Garden

The beauty of Bells of Ireland extends beyond your garden. Their unique shape and vibrant color make them highly sought-after cut flowers for weddings, events, and home décor. Their dried forms add a touch of rustic elegance to winter bouquets and crafts.

In conclusion, growing Bells of Ireland from seed is a rewarding journey that culminates in the addition of truly unique and eye-catching plants to your garden. So, embark on this adventure and enjoy the beauty these stunning flowers bring!