Grow Bellflowers from seeds!
this perennial has a mat-forming characteristic that makes it an ideal ground cover for edging the flower border. The deep green foliage makes a lovely backdrop for these gorgeous sky blue flowers.
The small, smooth, heart shaped leaves emerge in spring, and by mid-summer they have bloomed into upturned bell-shaped flowers. These flowers are about 1-2 inches wide and sit on thin, wiry stems held up above the leaves. These flowers bloom for several weeks, producing numerous flowers on each plant. They can re-bloom sparsely sometimes throughout the summer to early fall in some cool summer climates.
In floriography, it represents gratitude, or faith and constancy
Season: Perennial
USDA Zones: 3 - 8
Height: 8 inches
Bloom Season: Summer to fall
Soil Type: Moist, well-drained, pH 5.8 - 6.8
Deer Resistant: Yes
Temperature: 70F
Average Germ Time: 14 - 28 days
Light Required: Yes
Depth: Do not cover the seed but tightly press into the soil
Sowing Rate: Approximately 5000 seeds covers 100 square feet or 3 - 4 seeds per plant
Moisture: Keep moist until germination
Plant Spacing: 10 inches
Seeds germinate in 14-21 days. Surface sow seeds and very lightly press them into the soil or cover with a super thin layer of vermiculite or fine potting soil, as the seeds require light in order to germinate. Start seeds indoors in spring or directly sow them in the garden. Ideal germination temperature is 72-75 F.
FAQS
01
When to Plant Canterbury Bells Seeds
Start early in the season, as soon as the threat of frost has passed. Canterbury Bells can also be started indoors, 4-6 weeks before the final frost date.
02
Where to Plant Canterbury Bells Seeds
Canterbury Bells prefer full sun, though can be tolerant of partial shade, and do best in mild temperatures. In warmer climate, ensure these receive plenty of afternoon shade. These seeds do best in fertile, moist, well-draining soil.
03
How to Plant Canterbury Bells Seeds
Sow seeds directly onto the surface of the soil, and firmly compress. Leave seeds uncovered, as they require sunlight to germinate.
05
How to Care for Canterbury Bells
As a perennial, the first season, Canterbury Bells will only produce green foliage. It is encouraged that you overwinter this growth beneath a layer of mulch. During flowering seasons, fertilize every 1-2 months to ensure strong production. Deadheading can also encourage reblooming of Canterbury bells, though it's encouraged to leave some flower heads remaining, so it can naturally reseed.
06
Do Canterbury bells come back?
Once you have a mature planting of Canterbury Bells they will often self-seed. If you decide you might rather have more flowers this year you can deadhead the spent flowers in hopes that the plants will send up another bunch of stalks to bloom before frost.
07
Do Canterbury bells spread?
What are Canterbury Bells? Canterbury bells (Campanula medium), also known as Cups and Saucers, are biennial flowering plants that are native to Southern Europe. The plants spread to the rest of Europe where they have naturalized because they readily self-sow.
08
Can Canterbury bells survive winter?
Overwintering. It's best to grow Canterbury bells indoors for their first year to be well-prepared for winter. You can do so by using a thick layer of mulch and planting in the spring. Water very lightly during frosts.
11
How do I get my Canterbury bells to bloom for the first year?
To grow for first year bloom, sow seeds 10 weeks prior to the last frost. Do not cover the seeds, since they require light to germinate. Germination time is 6 to 12 days at 70 degrees Fahrenheit. To grow as a biennial, sow seeds outdoors in July or August.
12
Do bell flowers spread?
Bellflowers spread. Divide some varieties in spring every 2 to 3 years to keep them blooming strong and prevent their spread. Deadhead spent flowers of tall varieties to extend the bloom time.
13
Do bell flowers bloom all summer?
Also known as bellflower, campanula is an easy-to-grow flower that blooms throughout the summer months and into fall.