Grow this stunning plant, known as "Bells of Ireland," from freshly harvested Moluccella laevis seeds. Believe it or not, Bells of Ireland doesn't actually originate from Ireland. The plants are actually native tOo much of the eastern Mediterranean. Bells of Ireland grows much like a foxglove plant, displaying its beautiful, green, flower like tubes along its tall stems. Each stem can hold anywhere between 20 to 50 or more blooms. The plants themselves will reach a height of roughly 30 inches tall and can spread 10 to 12 inches wide. Grown as an annual flowering plant, Bells of Ireland will grow quickly from fresh flower seeds. The plants will bloom profusely through the summer months, and will later die with the first frost. The seeds can drop to the bare ground beneath, to establish new plant life the following season. You can also wait until the end of the Autumn season to collect and save seeds from your Bells of Ireland plants. Moluccella laevis is well known for being used as a cut flower. They look great in all sorts of floral arrangements, as well as floral bouquets. Plant them in the garden, as a border plant, or in flower beds. Quick Facts Molucella laevis Type: Flower Color: Green Height: 30" Tall Width: 10" - 12" spread Season: Annual Zones: 1 to 10 Environment: Full sun Uses: Flower beds & borders. Attracts butterflies and bumblebees. Great as a cut flower. Sowing The Seed Bells of Ireland seeds are best established indoors, 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last frost. The seeds can be started in peat pots, sowing each seed at a depth of 1/4" under topsoil. Transplant or direct sow outdoors when the weather is warm and all danger of frost has passed. Growing Conditions Bells of Ireland will enjoy an area of full sunlight with temperatures of at least 70F or more. The soil should be neutral to fertile and also well drained. To increase drainage, we recommend adding a light compost to areas containing hard, compact soil. Water daily so that the seeds and soil is moist until germination has occurred. Germination & Growth The seeds will begin to germinate within as little as 7 to 14 days after sowing. The plants will reach a height of up to 30 inches tall, spreading up to 12 inches wide. Space your Bells of Ireland seeds about 12 to 18 inches apart from one another. Once established, these unusual flowers will produce rows of green, tube like flowers along each stem.