Bells of Ireland Seeds Moluccella laevis
Spruce up your garden with a splash of Irish green using these amazing plants. The green bell-shaped calyxes look great in the garden, and they also add a lovely contrast to both fresh and dried flower arrangements.
Even though it's called Irish, this plant actually hails from the Middle Eastern regions of Syria, Turkey, and Iraq. There was a time when people thought it came from the Molucca Islands, which is why it was classified under the genus name "moluccella." The plant's vibrant green hue likely inspired its Irish nickname. Plus, in the language of flowers, this plant is a symbol of good luck.
Common Names: Molucca Balmis, Shellflower, Shell Flower
Latin Name: Moluccella laevis
Species Origin: Introduced US Flower
Type: Garden Flowers
Life Cycle: Annual
USDA Zones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast
Seeds per Ounce: 4,000
Stratification: No Stratification
Germination Ease: No Stratification
Sunlight: Full Sun
Height: 28 Inches
Color: Green
Bloom Season: Blooms Late Summer, Blooms Early Fall
Uses: Cut Flowers
Sowing: Plant Bells of Ireland seeds directly in late fall; they require light for germination, so just lay them on the soil's surface. If you're planting in spring, combine the seeds with moist sand and keep them in the fridge for 60 days before you plant. Make sure to keep the soil lightly moist until they germinate, which can take anywhere from 20 to 35 days. You can also start these seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before spring planting, but using peat pots is a smart move since these seedlings can be tricky to transplant.
Growing: Keep your Bells of Ireland plants moist but not soggy, as excess moisture can lead to disease. They thrive in cooler weather, but too much heat or humidity can make them wilt. If you're in a windy spot, you might need to stake them. These plants self-sow and attract butterflies, making them a fantastic option for borders or container gardens.
Harvesting: These flowers are perfect for both fresh and dried arrangements. For fresh flowers, pick stalks that are fully bloomed. Remove any leaves that will be submerged in water and place them in water right away. For dried flowers, hang the stalks upside down in a warm, dry area until they turn a golden straw color and are completely dry. To ensure the best results, leave some space around each stalk for good air circulation.
Seed Saving: The seeds will develop and start to ripen inside the green, cup-shaped blooms. Collect them as soon as they darken and can be easily shaken loose. Store Moluccella Laevis seeds in a cool, dry place.
