Sow bells of Ireland seed on the surface so light can reach it. Chill the seed one to two weeks first, then use a 3-inch pot or cool garden soil.
Chill the seed, then sow it on the surface
| Factor | Recommended | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Chill | One to two weeks at 35 to 40 F in a barely damp paper towel | Do not skip the fridge and then give up at day 10 |
| Depth | Press seed onto moist mix. Leave it uncovered, or use a dust of vermiculite | Do not bury the seed |
| Warmth | About 65 to 68 F until seedlings show, often in 12 to 21 days | Do not cover the seed with soil after you water |
| Pot | Individual 3-inch pots or deep cells, so the taproot stays intact | Do not start a crowded tray you will later tear apart |
bells of Ireland seed needs light, so press it onto moist mix and leave it uncovered. Chill it one to two weeks at 35 to 40 F before you sow. Seedlings often show in 12 to 21 days at about 65 to 68 F. [1] Start indoor pots six to eight weeks before you plant out, or eight to ten weeks if you want a slower, cooler tray. Germination can take a month. Keep the surface moist. [2] Outdoor sowing a few weeks before last frost is often more reliable than a warm windowsill. [3] Sun and watering for the sown crop stay on How to Grow Bells of Ireland.
Do the seeds need light?
Yes. Press them onto the mix and leave them uncovered, or use only a dust of vermiculite. Buried seed often fails.
When should I start seeds?
Start 3-inch pots six to eight weeks before you set plants out. Count back from your last frost date.
- Seal seed in a barely damp paper towel in a bag. Refrigerate one to two weeks at 35 to 40 F, then sow the same day.
- Fill a 3-inch pot or a deep cell with moist seed mix. Press one or two seeds onto the surface. Do not cover them with soil. Mist or bottom-water so you do not bury the seed with displaced mix. [4]
- Hold about 65 to 68 F until sprouts show. Give bright light so the seedlings stay short. Do not tease the taproot when you later plant out.
Sow on cool garden soil if you do not want to transplant
Direct sowing is the usual home start, because the taproot stays in place. Wait until the soil is about 50 to 60 F. Press seed onto the surface and keep it moist until it sprouts. Thin later on Planting Bells of Ireland.
- Chill the seed as above, then press a few seeds onto the soil in a marked row. Do not cover them. Sprouts can take two to four weeks.
- Keep the surface evenly moist. Overhead water can wash the seed; a gentle mist or drip is better.
- Thin to one strong seedling. Leave the taproot in the ground.
Can I sow outdoors?
Yes. Direct sowing in cool soil is often the easier start. Press the seed on the surface, keep it moist, and do not bury it.
If nothing shows after two weeks, keep the surface moist and wait — buried seed in the dark is the usual reason a tray stays empty.
FAQ
Do I have to chill the seed?
Chill it one to two weeks. Some trays sprout without it, but the fridge is the usual way to get a fuller flush. Germination can still be slow.
Why is germination slow?
The seed wants light, cool soil, and a softened coat. Buried seed, a dry surface, or a warm dark cup will sit for weeks. Wait a month before you resow.
Related guides
Recommended plants
References
- [1] Johnny's Selected Seeds -
https://www.johnnyseeds.com/growers-library/flowers/bells-of-ireland/bells-of-ireland-key-growing-information.html - [2] Wisconsin Horticulture -
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/bells-of-ireland-molucella-laevis/ - [3] NC State Extension -
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/moluccella-laevis/ - [4] Utah State University Extension -
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3489&context=extension_curall
This note is part of Moluccella Guides.
More notes on making another plant live in Propagating Guides.
Updated: Reviewed by Bosquelle Editors