Molucella laevis

Description

Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Moluccella
Species: Laevis

 Bells of Ireland

Beautiful stems of bell-shaped apple-green bracts can be used as fresh fillers or dried for winter use. An outstanding foliage plant

Sow indoors in Spring.  Cold stratify. Seal in a plastic bag and chill 3-5°C for 1-2 weeks. Then place in warmth or propagate 18-21°C. Sow seed on the surface of lightly firmed well-drained seed compost in pots or trays. Keep at a temperature of around 15 to 20°C (59 to 68°F), light helps germination, keep the surface of the compost moist but not waterlogged. Germination should take 14-21 days from placing in the warm. Germination can be slow.  Acclimatize and plant out after the danger of frost has passed with 30cm spacing.