In my vase on this Monday are multiple — squiggly — steams of Moluccella laevis, aka Bells of Ireland. I've adored these cut flowers since I first laid eyes on them in the mid 90's at a flower shop near where I lived in Seattle. How could anything so crazy cool really exist in nature? I had no idea back then how many other crazy cool plants that were in my future...
I grew these from seed, and after cutting a few here and there over the summer, finally broke down and cut them all, being careful to save the sections with dried papery calyces so I could harvest seed for next year's crop.
The brown center (orange arrow) easily pops out and splits into four seeds. Imagine how many seeds one stem could produce, since each whorled section theoretically made 24 seeds and there are many, many whorls per stem.
The green sections of each stem filled two vases, this is just one of them.
The light fragrance of these flowers is hard to describe, it's sort of fresh and a little minty (it is in the mint family).
The patterns on the calyces are quite intricate.
And the tiny white flowers are almost orchid-like.
Best of all is how they bend and twist.
Here's my (uncleaned) seed haul...
With so many seeds I want to be able to plant these around my garden next year, not just in the driveway stock-tank "cutting garden". I have read Moluccella laevis is best sown in place, but in my cramscaped garden that just doesn't work. So I'll need to start some of the seeds and plant them out. I was thinking of this when I saw these sexy seed trays on Gardenista last week.
At 48 Euro the small one is $56 and the large is $85 and that doesn't even include shipping, which from Germany is certainly going to be a pretty penny. So I lusted, and moved on. (photos borrowed from Manufactum)
I started hunting for something similar from a US company and found this, from Gardeners Supply. At $35 it's not cheap, but a much better deal than the German ones. although they're so darn cute!
I've never been a big seed starter, although I have flirted with it here and there. Maybe having a fabulous galvanized starting tray will help? Ya, I bought one (photos borrowed from Gardeners Supply)
Weather Diary, Sept 16: Hi 70, Low 54/ Precip .35"
All material © 2009-2018 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.
Oh, I'm rooting for you (pun intended) to have great success with your saved seeds next year! I love growing from seed, it gives me such a thrill. Thanks for showing the deep insides of the flower, I've never seen that before. It's a very pretty flower that does look orchid-like.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the support, you've had such success you're an inspiration.
DeleteOh yes, a stylish galvanized metal seed starting tray is the answer. You'll have so much success that soon you'll be starting cactus and agave from seeds! Happy planting!
ReplyDeleteHa! I actually did that once, but was unable to sustain my interest once spring took me outside and the poor things died.
DeleteThose are some dandy seed starting components. I will look forward to hearing how you like working with them. I thought Irish Bells are fantastic even before I saw those orchid-like blooms. Happy IAVOM.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to using my seed starting tray, but I'm going to have to wait a few months!
DeleteI've never been attracted to the Bells of Ireland I've received with supermarket bouquets but the twisty stems you grew are something else altogether - they look fabulous on your mantle. I've been trying to do more with seeds too but my successes are still few.
ReplyDeleteMine too Kris! What success I have had seems to be with seeds sown in place. Here's hoping I can get better at starting things and planting them out.
DeleteLovely to take the time to really look properly at Bells of Ireland -shown off so perfectly against the white walls with the b&w photos.I never mind spending money on propagating items that LAST! So many don't.
ReplyDeleteGood point! Hopefully the tray I bought will last for many years.
DeleteI share your love for Bells of Ireland but have never had luck growing them from seed. Maybe it's time to try again. Your galvanized tray brings a bit of high style to the whole enterprise.
ReplyDeleterickii
Try again! I learned that the plants are very slow to get going...
DeleteB of I certainly are cool looking, up close and from afar. The seed starter is a green approach and hopefully will last for years. Good luck with the seed starts!
ReplyDeleteThanks Eliza!
Delete