Bells of Ireland arranged in a tin jug with handle on a white background
Ryan in green smiles whilst sipping some Bells of Ireland tea and surrounded by flowers.
Bells of Ireland flowers on a bed of Lucky Charms.
A gardener holding an armful of freshly plucked Bells of Ireland flowers in a greenhouse at Baker Creek.
A close-up view of Bells of Ireland flowers on a bed of Lucky Charms.
Bells of Ireland Flowers growing in a greenhouse at Baker Creek.
Bells of Ireland arranged in a tin jug with handle on a white background
Ryan in green smiles whilst sipping some Bells of Ireland tea and surrounded by flowers.
Bells of Ireland flowers on a bed of Lucky Charms.
A gardener holding an armful of freshly plucked Bells of Ireland flowers in a greenhouse at Baker Creek.
A close-up view of Bells of Ireland flowers on a bed of Lucky Charms.
Bells of Ireland Flowers growing in a greenhouse at Baker Creek.

Bells of Ireland Seeds,
Bells of Ireland

4.417 Reviews#FL140 · 100 seeds
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Description

These tall, elegant stems carry tiny white flowers tucked inside big, apple-green bell-shaped calyces, creating one of the most distinctive silhouettes in the flower garden. Cultivated since 1570, Bells of Ireland has long been treasured for fresh bouquets and dried arrangements, where it keeps its shape and charm beautifully. Easy to grow and steady in performance, it’s a classic cut flower with an old-fashioned, romantic feel and a look that never gets lost in the mix.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Moluccella laevis
Life Cycle
Hardy Annual
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
12–21
Days to Maturity
100
Planting Depth
Surface sow
Plant Spacing
10–12 in.
Ideal Temperature
65–68°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Start Bells of Ireland seeds 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost date, or direct sow; both work for this hardy annual. Surface sow the seed and hold it at an ideal germination temperature of 60-65 F; germination takes 12 to 21 days, and plants need roughly 100 days to reach maturity.

Seeds can also be sown in place in fall or winter in mild winter climates, while in regions with severe winters sow in early spring. Give plants full sun to part shade, well-drained soil and 10 to 12 inches of space each.

How to Sow and Plant

  • Seeds germinate in 14-21 days.
  • Start seeds 4-6 weeks before last frost date.
  • Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep.
  • Can be direct sown or started indoors.
  • Ideal germination temperature is 60-65 degrees F. Seeds can be sown in place in fall.

How to Grow

  • Plants prefer full sun to part shade and well-drained soil.
  • Space plants 12 inches apart.
  • Tall plants benefit from being staked to keep spikes straight.
  • Provide consistent moisture; plants are not particularly drought tolerant.
  • Provide a balanced organic fertilizer monthly.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Bells of Ireland is a fairly pest-free plant. Deer do not bother this plant.

How to Save Seeds

  • Plants easily self-sow.
  • Seeds are easy to save; the small, understated blooms will turn brown and the seeds can easily be harvested in fall.
  • When germinating saved seeds, be sure to stratify seeds by placing them in a plastic bag and storing in the refrigerator for 2 weeks.

FAQ

Do Bells of Ireland spikes need staking?

Tall plants benefit from being staked to keep the spikes straight. Space plants 10 to 12 inches apart in full sun to part shade.

How are Bells of Ireland used as a cut flower?

Tiny white flowers sit inside large, green, bell-shaped calyces, and they are great as a cut flower, fresh or dried. They suit the cutting garden, beds and borders and a cottage garden, and make an excellent filler for floral design.

What care do Bells of Ireland need through the season?

Provide consistent moisture, as plants are not particularly drought tolerant, and provide a balanced organic fertilizer monthly. Removing spent blooms prolongs the blooming season. Bells of Ireland is a fairly pest-free plant, and deer do not bother it.

Customer reviews

4.4 / 5 17 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Unusual green spikes: Striking green bells that stand out in cut arrangements.

  • Long-lasting cut: Stems last a long time in a vase; mind the small thorns when cutting.

  • Reseeds itself: Drops seed and comes back on its own for years.

  • Thrives on neglect: Grows in poor, dry soil with little care.

  • Growing tips: Germination is slow and spotty; chill seed or sow in fall or winter.

More to grow!

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