Simple Guides for Growing and Caring for Bells of Ireland

Bells of Ireland are often planted in the spring, from seeds that are either put directly into the garden or begun inside at least two months before the last anticipated frost of the season. Seeds may take up to a month to germinate and sprout, and another two months to develop into blooming plants.

Moluccas bells of Ireland (Moluccella laevis) offer a unique, erect element to the beautiful flower bed. Its flowers would look great in a green-themed landscape. Bells of Ireland facts show that these flowers love dry and arid environments, but they can thrive in cold summer temperatures.

The Bells of Ireland’s plant, an annual blooming plant that has been cultivated since the 1500s, existed before green blooms became a popular fad among plant breeders. These plants have spires of emerald green funnel-shaped blooms grouped along tall stems. The green bell is the calyx, which is made up of outer sepals that enclose the small white flower petals within.

The Truth About Ireland’s Bells Flowers

However, although Moluccas Ireland’s bells are native to the eastern Mediterranean area, their greenish blooms are what give them their popular name, which has nothing to do with their location of origin. Bells of Ireland flowers are sometimes referred to as shell-flowers in certain circles. Bells of Ireland are a summer blooming perennial that may be grown in cold climates as far north as USDA Hardiness Zone 2.

According to the plant’s statistics, it may grow to a height of 2 to 3 feet (61-91 cm.). The foliage is a lovely green, as is the flower calyx (base). The actual flowers are tiny and white, with a green background. Multiple stems emerge, providing a plethora of flowers on each plant.

Why grow Bells of Ireland?

The Bells of Ireland are a kind of annual plant. Grow in warm climates for plants that reseed easily. Start seeds of bells of Ireland flower inside a few weeks before outdoor temperatures rise, or spread seeds outdoors late in April when circumstances have warmed significantly. Those living in warmer climates may sow seeds outdoors in the autumn.

Plant it in seed trays early in the season for the longest bloom duration. Plant seedlings outdoors after the temperature has risen over the nightly frost threshold.

Plant this specimen in well-draining soil in full sun or moderate shade. Poor soil is acceptable as long as it drains well. Maintaining a wet soil Because this plant is unappealing to browsing deer, it should be used in areas where other blooms may be destroyed by hungry animals.

If necessary, the plant’s treatment may involve fertilization. Large plants with a lot of flowers may need to be staked. This lovely plant looks lovely in fresh cut arrangements and is often used as a dried flower. Harvest Bells of Ireland bloom before seeds emerge and hang upside down till the calyx and petals are papery.

The Moluccella laevis plants, are a crowd-pleaser while being deceptively easy to cultivate. But not because of their eye-catching hue (they’re green). Instead, they attract so much attention because of their uniqueness. The Bells of Ireland rise up and scream out their individuality by being one heck of a fun plant, unlike any other flower out there. They make an excellent addition to garden beds and have a beautiful, sweet, vanilla-like scent. Fortunately, cultivating Bells of Ireland from seed is simple.

How to Start Growing Bells of Ireland from Seeds

Sow Bells of Ireland seeds (available here) inside under grow lights 8-10 weeks before your typical last frost date, which happens to be just around St. Patrick’s Day in Pennsylvania! Use a high-quality seed-starting potting mix and scatter the seeds on top of the soil. Because Bells of Ireland seeds need sunshine to germinate, do not cover them. Water the seeds well and set the seed tray on a seedling heat pad to increase the soil temperature and accelerate germination. Remove the seedling heat pad as soon as the Bells of Ireland seeds germinate.

Set the grow lights two to three inches above the seed flat tops and leave them on for 18-20 hours each day. Water the seedlings as needed; do not let them dry out between watering. Water the seedlings every three weeks with a diluted liquid organic fertilizer designed for young plants, such as this one. When the threat of frost has gone, harden off the seedlings before transplanting them outside.