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How to Grow Bells of Ireland Successfully

Bells of Ireland are one of my favourite crops. They are so fragrant, they smell like a fresh minty apple and are very unique in their fragrance.


They fall into the category of cool flowers, meaning they thrive in cooler temperatures and need a bit of a nudge to get started. Classified as a Hardy Annual, they require cold stratification to break dormancy. Because of this, germination can be erratic, unpredictable, and downright frustrating at times. But trust me—if you can get them to sprout, they are well worth the effort.

Bells of Ireland

How to Sow Bells of Ireland Seeds


Step 1: Cold Stratification – Trick Your Seeds into Waking Up

Bells of Ireland seeds naturally have a dormancy period, which means they need a cold shock to trigger germination. The easiest way to do this is by cold stratification. Simply pop your seeds into the fridge (or even the freezer) for at least two weeks. You can leave them in there for longer—it won’t harm them and might even improve germination rates.


Step 2: Pre-Sprouting on a Paper Towel

After chilling, it’s time to wake them up!

  1. Remove the seeds from the fridge and place them on a damp paper towel.

  2. Fold the towel over the seeds a couple of times to keep them in place.

  3. Slip the folded towel into a zip-lock bag to maintain moisture.

  4. Place the bag somewhere warm—this could be in your house or on a heat mat (but be careful not to put them directly on the mat, as too much heat can scorch them).


Step 3: Keep an Eye on Germination

Germination is erratic—some seeds will sprout quickly, while others take their time. Check every few days and carefully remove any sprouted seeds, potting them into small containers filled with moist, well-draining compost.

For any seeds that haven’t germinated yet, simply leave them in the bag and give them more time. If, after a month, they still haven't woken up, try giving them another cold period by placing the bag back into the fridge for a few more weeks. Sometimes, a second round of chilling will convince the stubborn ones to sprout.


Step 4: Growing On & Transplanting

Once your seedlings have developed two to three sets of true leaves, they’re ready to be potted on and hardened off before planting out in late spring. Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining soil for the best results.


HARVESTING & CONDITIONING


Bells of Ireland can be tricky to time for harvest, but the key is waiting until the bells are fully formed. Look inside—if you can see the tiny white flowers tucked inside the bells, you’re good to go.


  • Strip off all the leaves, leaving just the bells on the stem as these will detract from the beauty of the bells.

  • Place them straight into deep water for a few hours to condition before use.

  • For dried arrangements, hang stems upside down in a warm, dry space.



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