How to grow Bells of Ireland from Seeds
GROWING CONDITIONS FOR BELLS OF IRELAND
The best spot to place bells of Ireland is in full sun, but if needed, they can be grown in partial sun. These flowers prefer their soil on the rich and loamy side, but average soil will suffice if fertilizer is applied to compensate. Choose a spot with good drainage, as bells of Ireland don’t flourish when waterlogged or starved of moisture.
Prepare soil for bells of Ireland by removing gravel and weeds, then working compost into the top six to eight inches. Finish by leveling the soil and smoothing it down. For optimal performance, test soil after each growing season to find out what adjustments are needed before the next season begins.
If compost isn’t an option, you can instead add one or two inches of mulch after planting bells of Ireland, though it’s best to wait until after seeds have germinated so they get the light they need to sprout. The mulch will break down into compost as the plants grow. Just make sure to keep mulch away from the stems to avoid problems with rot.
HOW TO PLANT BELLS OF IRELAND SEEDS
Bells of Ireland can be fussy in the germination phase, so for best results, sow more seeds than you think you’ll need. You can always thin your plants out. Germination is often more successful outdoors than it would be indoors because these flowers enjoy chilly, wet conditions.
To speed up the germination process and increase each seed’s chances of success, prep seeds by chilling them in your refrigerator before you sow. Moisten a paper towel evenly, and place the seeds on the paper towel. Fold the towel to fit inside a plastic sandwich bag, seal the bag, and store in the refrigerator for two weeks.
To sow bells of Ireland directly where they’ll grow, plant them in the fall about a foot apart, and cover with a half a centimeter (quarter of an inch) of fine soil. Take care not to cover the seeds too much, as they need light to sprout. Instead of one seed per foot, you may choose to plant groups of three and thin to the strongest plant when seedlings start to grow. Firm the soil lightly with the palm of your hand, water it well after planting, and keep the area evenly moist. Young plants will appear in seven to 14 days if seeds have been prepped in the refrigerator. Otherwise, germination can take up to a month.
If you choose to start bells of Ireland indoors, plant them eight to 10 weeks before the last frost of the year. Young plants can resist light frost, but a sudden freeze can damage them. A seedling heat mat can speed up the process as well, if you have one on hand, but be sure to remove it as soon as germination occurs. Barely cover the seeds with soil so light can reach them. If possible, use grow lights to ensure the seeds get the light they need. Position grow lights two or three inches above the soil, and keep them on for 18 to 20 hours per day.
Water seeds and seedlings frequently, and do not let the soil dry out. Harden off young plants grown indoors by exposing them to the elements in gradually increasing blocks of time before transplanting them outdoors. Wait until overnight temperatures stay above 5 Celsius (40 Fahrenheit) to move bells of Ireland to the garden.
CARE FOR BELLS OF IRELAND
During the growing season, bells of Ireland require about 2.5cm (1 inch) rainfall per week. If your rain gauge falls short, water the plants yourself to make up the difference. Soil for bells of Ireland should be kept evenly moist but not overly saturated. A drip or trickle irrigation system that gently adds water to soil is best, but if you use overhead sprinklers, simply water early in the day so the plants can dry before nightfall to prevent disease.
Monthly, administer a balanced water-soluble fertilizer to get the most out of your plants. Use a liquid fertilizer in early summer, and really lay it on thick to encourage lush growth. Keep weeds at bay to let bells of Ireland make the most of the soil’s nutrients.
Because these showy flowers stretch so high, you’ll need to protect them from high winds either by placing them in a spot with a windbreak, such as a fence, or by staking. Stake plants while they are still young.
If flowers are left to dry in the garden, bells of Ireland will often self seed. In fact, some gardeners say they self seed “like crazy.” Seeds are dark in color and can be either collected to plant next year or left where they fall. If you don’t want to see these flowers return year after year, be sure to harvest the flower spikes for arrangements before they have a chance to dry.
GARDEN PESTS AND DISEASES OF BELLS OF IRELAND
Watch leaves for small flecks with a yellowish halo that eventually turn brown, as this sign indicates cercospora leaf blight. If plants are wilting at the soil line to finally die back, your plants may be facing crown rot.
Keep an eye out for the tiny bugs and sticky residue that point to an infestation of aphids. A healthy population of natural predators, such as lady bugs or wasps, can help keep aphids under control, as can insecticidal soap. Visible webbing on plants or yellowing, dried-out foliage can mean tiny spider mites are making a meal of your plants. Hot pepper wax or insecticidal soap should solve a spider mite problem if one crops up.
PLEASE NOTE:
The foliage on bells-of-Ireland is prickly and can be irritating to the skin. When using for cut flower material remove the leaves to avoid allergic reactions or rashes. This will also allow for the beautiful green bells to show much better.
