Bells of Ireland (Moluccella laevis) have a tendency to spread in the garden. This plant has a unique way of self-seeding if the flower stalks are left on the plants until they dry out. The dried flower stalks develop small, dark colored seeds that can be collected and saved for sowing the following year, or they can simply scatter on the ground and germinate on their own.
I have personally experienced the self-seeding nature of Bells of Ireland in my own garden. I remember planting a few Bells of Ireland plants several years ago, and since then, they have continued to reappear in various parts of my garden. It’s always a pleasant surprise to see their tall, green spikes adorned with delicate, bell-shaped flowers popping up unexpectedly.
The self-seeding process of Bells of Ireland is quite fascinating. Once the flowers have bloomed and started to fade, they eventually dry out and turn brown. It’s important to resist the temptation to trim or remove these dried flower stalks, as they contain the seeds that will allow the plant to spread and produce new growth.
If you wish to collect the seeds for future sowing, you can simply wait until the flower stalks have completely dried out and then carefully remove them from the plant. The seeds can be stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight container until you are ready to sow them. Alternatively, you can allow the seeds to scatter naturally by leaving the dried flower stalks on the plants. This can result in a more random and scattered distribution of new Bells of Ireland plants throughout your garden.
It’s worth noting that Bells of Ireland can be a bit finicky when it comes to germination. The seeds have a hard outer coat that can take a while to break down and allow for successful germination. Some gardeners recommend scarifying the seeds by gently rubbing them with sandpaper or soaking them in warm water overnight before sowing to help speed up the germination process.
In my experience, Bells of Ireland have proven to be resilient and adaptable plants. They have managed to find suitable spots to grow even in areas of my garden where I didn’t initially plant them. Their ability to self-seed adds a touch of spontaneity and surprise to my garden, as new seedlings emerge in unexpected places each year.
To summarize, Bells of Ireland do spread in the garden through self-seeding. The dark colored seeds develop in the dried flower stalks and can be collected and saved, or left to scatter naturally on the ground. This self-seeding characteristic adds a delightful element of surprise and natural growth to the garden, allowing Bells of Ireland to spread and flourish in various areas over time.
