Bells of Ireland Care
Here are the main care requirements to successfully grow bells of Ireland.
Light
Full sunis best for bells of Ireland.
Plants in shady locations will almost certainly need staking.
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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.
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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.
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These hardy annuals thrive in cool weather in temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
The plant also survives in light frost.
This cultivar has shorter, sturdier stems less likely to topple over when the plants get wet.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Most gardeners prefer it over the original, taller species.
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.
In mild climates, you’ve got the option to sow seeds in the garden in the fall.
Take these steps:
Potting and Repotting Bells of Ireland
Bells of Ireland make excellent container plants.
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.
Diseased plants should be removed and discarded.
Young plants are susceptible to botrytis so plant them with good airflow to avoid the problem.
The plant begins diminishing at the peak of summer in late July and August.
What do Bells of Ireland Flowers Look and Smell Like?
The white flowers in the calyxes have a pleasant, sweet fragrance with a hint of citrus.
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 dont 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.
Many floral designers use gloves when handling these flowers.
Leaves Turning Brown
Bells of Ireland leaves naturally brown in the fall.
Seek ways to give the plants more sun by trimming surrounding bushes or trees.
Bells of Ireland are not hard to grow but they are slower to start than some other plants.
They can take at least three weeks in some cases before germinating.
Once established, the plant may need stake support if it gets top-heavy.
Bells of Ireland grow best in a dry, temperate climate in a sunny site with well-drained soil.
