Bells of Ireland / Moluccella laevis (Pack of 30 Seeds)

SEED TYPE : Open Pollinated, Traditional PLANT TYPE : Annual FLOWER COLOR :  Green SOWING TIME : Winter SOWING METHOD : Directly from seed / Transplanting GERMINATION TIME : 4 – 6 Days GROWING CONTAINER : 12 inch Pot / Garden Bed GROWING MEDIA : 1 part  Garden soil 1 part Cocopeat 1 part Vermicompost. FLOWERING : 45 -60 Days after sowing. DESCRIPTION : Bells of Ireland is an annual that grows in all zones but fares poorly in areas with hot and humid summers. Shade cloth can go a long way towards prolonging the vigor of the plants when summer’s heat kicks in. If you are lucky enough to find a well-stocked nursery with plugs or young plants, it’s worth the extra money to start with these the first season. Doing this allows you to see if bells of Ireland grow well in your area without a significant investment of time or effort. If they take off, you can plant a bigger patch the following season, using seeds saved from plants. Bells of Ireland are top-heavy, and they may topple over after heavy rain or in areas exposed to wind. Stake the blooming stalks, grow the compact variety, or grow them in a sheltered area to keep the spires upright. Bells of Ireland don’t re-bloom, so you can remove plants past their prime without guilt. However, you may want to leave them in place long enough for the seeds to mature and scatter, as these annuals are self-sowing. Bells of Ireland prefers full sun and regular water. Water during drought periods and fertilize monthly for best results. They do not do well in summer in hot, humid climates. Taller spikes may need staking in windy sites. Bells of Ireland has few pest problems and is not favored by deer or rabbits.