Jefferson Seed Library

Bells of Ireland

Bells of Ireland is a very fragrant flower in the mint family and has a slightly minty scent. Its light green color complements many flowers in garden beds.

  • Variety
 N/A
  • Scientific Name
 Molucella laevis
  • Growing Level
 Easy
  • Seed Saving Level
 Intermediate
  • Seed Storage
 2 years if properly stored
  • Life Cycle
 Annual
  • Germination Time
 14-25 days
Helpful
  • Height
 30”
  • Light Requirements

Full sun, but can tolerate some shade

Seeds require light to germinate
  • Blooms in
 70-80 days
  • “Check Out” Month See Upcoming Events for specific “check out” dates. 
 March and April
  • In Stock?
 No

 

Table of Contents

 

Growing Tips

Container Friendly

4 plants per 20” container

When to Start

 

Spring: When the soil is still cool to the touch but the danger of frost has passed. Transplanting is NOT recommended. Cold stratification is helpful for germination. (April 15 is Jefferson, GA latest Average frost.)

 

How to Start

 

Cold stratification is helpful for germination. Bells of Ireland is can be natorously slow to germinate. Sometimes it can take up to a month. Chill the seeds in the refrigerator for 2 weeks before direct sowing in Spring. For Jefferson, GA try placing them in the refrigerator April 1 and then sowing April 15. If a late freeze comes, cover seeds to protect them and then remove the cover in the morning.

As the seeds need light to germinate, gently press them into the soil. You can cover them very lightly with soil to keep them from blowing away. Keep the seeds moist but not soggy.

Care

 

They don’t transplant well due to their long taproot. As a result, direct sowing is best. Sow them into full sun beds that are protected from the wind. They like loamy, well-draining, and moist soil. But Bells of Ireland dislike soggy or overly wet conditions. Thin them to 8-12 inches apart.  Taller plants may require staking to keep them upright.

Bells of Ireland are prolific re-seeders. Cut back after they have gone to seed to get plants for next year. Or if you need to control the spread, cut back as soon as the flowers are spent. Flowers bloom in the Summer.

Seed Saving

Isolation Distance 

 

Insect dependent for pollination. Isolate 1/2 mile to prevent cross-pollination.

 

Instructions

 

Select healthy, robust plants free of any signs of disease or insect infestation for seeds. Seeds carry the traits of the parent plant. Choose plants that exhibit the traits you wish to preserve. Consider bloom size, color, and shape, as well as blooming time.

 

Allow the biggest and healthiest blooms to mature on the plant. Clip the flower head/stock from the main stem once the seeds are dry and dark. Separate plant debris from the seeds by removing the mesh bag and placing the flower head in a paper bag and shaking to loosen seeds. Seeds settle to the bottom of the bag. Remove plant debris by hand.

Features

  • Great for fresh or dried flower arrangements
  • Deer and rabbit resistant
  • Fragrant
  • Container friendly
  • Blooms in Summer
  • Attracts pollinators 

You May Also Like: 

Cold Stratification

Frost and Freeze Dates

Gypsophila (Baby’s Breath)

Drying Herbs

Sources:

Edenbrothers.com

Hort.extension.wisc.edu