How to Grow Bells of Ireland Flowers

Growing Bells of Ireland in Your Home Flower Garden

These low maintenance plants are members of the mint family. The Bells of Ireland plant is a unique flowering plant. Native to the Caucasus, Turkey, and Syria, Annual Bells of Ireland are distinctive and stately plants. They are grown for their tall, dark green spires, thickly covered by lighter green, bell-shaped calyces (leaves). The leaves are so lush, they all but hide the small white or pink flowers. Flowers bloom once during the season, with a pleasant scent. Use this “How to grow Bells of Ireland” to get started on growing this attractive plant that will surely catch the attention of fellow gardeners.

Surprise, surprise. Bells of Ireland are not native to Ireland. Rather, they are native to Asia. The plants are lucky symbols, perhaps linking their name to the luck of the Irish. They are also not related to the Molluca Islands, which their botanical name might otherwise suggest.

The plant’s flower spikes are used fresh or in dried arrangements. Obviously, they are widely used for St. Patrick’s Day arrangements. As a lucky symbol, they are also popular in wedding bouquets and arrangements.

The flowers have a mild and pleasant, grassy aroma. In the flower garden, these plants look unique, making them a great conversation piece. Show them off to family, and your gardening buddies with pride. Try growing Bells of Ireland in a container on your patio or deck, too. They just might bring you luck and good fortune!

Florists love Bells of Ireland plants. Their unique appearance stands out in mixed floral arrangements. They are used in vases fresh or dried.

Bells of Ireland Plant Specifications

Flower Colors: White

Flowers Bloom: Summer through Fall.

Plant Height: Two to three feet tall.

Light Requirements: Full sun to partial sun.

Ideal Soil pH: 6.5 – 7.5.

Hardiness Zone: 2 – 11. This versatile plant grows well in most hardiness zones.

Toxicity: None

Native To: Asia

Plant Type: Annual

Botanical Name: Moluccela Laevis

Other Names: Shellflowers, Moducella Balm

Caution: The stalks have small thorns.

Are Bells of Ireland Plants Edible?

Yes!

They have a mild and sweet flavor. Try the leaves in salads or as a garnish.

It is not usually cooked.

Medicinal Uses of Bells of Ireland

The plant has antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Use it as a salve or ointment to treat wounds.
It treats digestive and respiratory ailments.

Bells of Ireland Plant Propagation

Bells of Ireland are grown from seed. They do not transplant well. So, we recommend that you sow them directly into the flower garden.

Garden Tip: If you do start these plants indoors, use peat pots to minimize transplanting shock. For indoor starts, plant them 6-8 weeks before the last frost in your area.

For the best germination rates, pre-chill Bells of Ireland seeds for at least 1-2 weeks before planting. Bells of Ireland seeds require light to germinate. Therefore, do not cover the seeds with soil.

Sow Bells of Ireland seeds outdoors after the last frost date in your area. Keep seeds moist.

Seeds will take 25-35 days to germinate.

Garden Tip: Because of the long germination time, we recommend you clearly mark the planting site.

Important Reminder: Seeds need light to sprout.

Plants are good re-seeders.

How to Propagate Bells of Ireland Plants

Bells of Ireland plants are grown from seeds.

The seeds take 12 to 21 days to germinate.

Plant them outdoors directly into the garden after all danger of frost has past.

You can also start them in trays indoors six to eight days before the last frost date in your area.

How to Grow Bells of Ireland Annual Flower Plants

Bells of Ireland plants grow best in cool weather.

Grow the plants in full to partial sun.

Place these tall plants in the back of the flower garden, or a container for your patio or deck. They do best in rich, loam soils, but will grow in average soils with regular applications of fertilizer. The soil should be well-draining.

Space plants 10-12 inches apart.

Keep soil evenly moist. Water frequently in dry weather.

Add a high nitrogen fertilizer once a month, to promote lush, healthy growth. Then, as summer arrives, switch to a fertilizer formula higher in phosphorous to encourage blooms.

Protect plants from high winds. Stake spikes as needed.

Drying Plants – For dried arrangements, harvest plants in mid to late summer, when flowers are at their peak. Hang stalks upside down to the warm, dry, well-ventilated area.

Pruning Bells of Ireland Plants

No pruning is required for these plants.

However, they are good re-seeders. This makes them somewhat invasive. To help control their spread, deadhead spent blooms before the seeds have a chance to grow and mature.

At the end of the season, any spent blooms remaining on the plant will have seeds that are easy to harvest for next year.