How to Grow and Care for Bells of Ireland

Bells of Ireland Care

Here are the main care requirements to successfully grow bells of Ireland.

• Keep bells of Ireland evenly moist.
• Give bells of Ireland shade in severe summer sun and heat.
• Stake top-heavy stalks or leggy stems, especially after heavy rains, so they do not topple.
• Fertilize bells of Ireland only if they are growing in very poor soil.

Light

Full sun is best for bells of Ireland. The plants need at least some morning sun to prevent them from growing too leggy, which makes them prone to flopping. Plants in shady locations will almost certainly need staking.

Soil

These plants like soil with a neutral pH (6.5–7.5) that drains well and is kept evenly moist. Blend some compost into the planting area before sowing seeds.

Water

Keep bells of Ireland consistently moist during the vulnerable seedling and transplant stages. Soaker hoses are great for providing moisture without water-logging the plants. These plants will do well with about 1 inch of water per week. Mulch helps preserve moisture in the soil.

Temperature and Humidity

This plant is not heat-tolerant and does not do well in high humidity. These hardy annuals thrive in cool weather in temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant also survives in light frost.

Fertilizer

Bells of Ireland plants require little, if any, feeding. Preparing the planting bed for them with compost should be enough. However, in poor soil, you may need to fertilize. Follow the directions on the label.

Types of Bells of Ireland

There is only one cultivar of Moluccella laevis, which is ‘Pixie Bells’, and most often used for cut flowers. This cultivar has shorter, sturdier stems less likely to topple over when the plants get wet. Most gardeners prefer it over the original, taller species.

How to Grow Bells of Ireland From Seed

The easiest way to propagate bells of Ireland is to collect seeds from the drying flower heads and plant them the following spring. The seeds need cold stratification for best results. Plant bells of Ireland in the garden after the last frost date in your area in average garden soil. The seeds are slow to germinate, taking 12 to 21 days to sprout, so for earlier blooms, start them indoors two months before the average last frost date. In mild climates, you can sow seeds in the garden in the fall. Take these steps:

1. Use stratification to increase the germination rate of bells of Ireland seeds. Expose seeds to the cold by sowing them outdoors in the fall or refrigerating them for a week before starting them indoors.
2. Stratify with refrigeration by sandwiching seeds between moist coffee filters or paper towels and place in the refrigerator. Moist stratification results in a higher germination rate than simply exposing dry seeds to cold temperatures.
3. Start seeds indoors in seed trays or 3-inch biodegradable pots filled with seed starter mix or ordinary potting soil. Plant in the soil and leave seeds uncovered, as they require light to germinate.
4. Keep the potting mix moist by misting it with a spray bottle.
5. Wait until the plant is a good size before planting it outdoors. These plants have taproots and do not like to be disturbed so avoid transplanting too often.

Potting and Repotting Bells of Ireland

Bells of Ireland make excellent container plants. As a tall, upright spire, it’s best planted in the center of a large container made of any material. Surround the plant with colorful mounding and trailing annuals, such as purple and crimson flowering plants for contrast and support for the spiky bells. Use a potting mix with fertilizer included to give the plants a good start. Water the container regularly. Check the soil using your finger. If the top inch is dry, it’s time to water. Avoid repotting because of this plant’s sensitive taproots.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

Bells of Ireland are bothered by few serious garden pests, although aphids and spider mites are occasional problems.

The plant is prone to Cercospora leaf spot, a fungal disease that causes small flecks with yellowish halos to appear on the leaves. Pick off the affected leaves and dispose, if possible. Crown rot can also cause the plants to wilt from the soil line upward and eventually die. Diseased plants should be removed and discarded. Young plants are susceptible to botrytis so plant them with good airflow to avoid the problem.

Getting Bells of Ireland to Bloom

Bloom Months

Bells of Ireland bloom in the late spring and early summer. The plant begins diminishing at the peak of summer in late July and August.

What do Bells of Ireland Flowers Look and Smell Like?

Bells of Ireland are planted for their tall spires filled with showy cup-shaped lime green calyxes that surround small white flowers. The white flowers in the calyxes have a pleasant, sweet fragrance with a hint of citrus.

How to Encourage Bells of Ireland to Bloom

Give bells of Ireland full morning sun and plant them in soil that’s well-drained and rich in nutrients for the best blooms.

Harvesting Bells of Ireland Flowers

Cut bells of Ireland when the bells are about half open for fresh flower arrangements. Wait until the fully open bells have become firm to the touch to cut for dried flower bouquets. The stiff calyxes of bells of Ireland last up to two weeks in fresh arrangements. The flowers turn tan and don’t maintain the green tint when dried.

Common Problems With Bells of Ireland

Bells of Ireland are considered sturdy plants. Watch for these potential problems or distress signals from the plant.

Thorns

If you harvest bells of Ireland for fresh or dried bouquets, wear gloves to protect your hands from the small spiny thorns that grow along the stems. Many floral designers use gloves when handling these flowers.

Leaves Turning Brown

Bells of Ireland leaves naturally brown in the fall. But if they are browning or showing brown spots on the leaves early in the season, check for fungal or bacterial infections.

Leaves Turning Yellow or Wilting

Yellowing or wilting leaves may indicate a watering (usually underwatering) or a pest issue.

Leggy Growth

If the bells of Ireland look leggy or they’re flopping over, the plants are not getting enough sunlight. Seek ways to give the plants more sun by trimming surrounding bushes or trees.