Fritillaria meleagris

Germination

Supplied as seeds. Sow indoors Mar-Sep. Sow under glass Oct-Feb. To sow indoors, surface sow onto moist, well-drained seed compost, just cover with a sprinkling of soil. Place container in a polythene bag and cold stratify. Move to 4°C for 2-3 weeks, a fridge is ideal. Move to a cold frame until spring. Germination should occur as the weather warms. To sow directly, simply sow and place pots into a cold frame or place in a sheltered location, again germination will occur as the weather warms. Germination can be erratic. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle to 8cm pots and grow on. Ideally leave in the pot for bulbs to form over a couple of years. Acclimatise for 10-15 days prior to planting out.

Growing

Prefers a moist, fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in full or partial sun. Likes a cool, moist summer. When the bulbs have formed plant at 4 times their own depth. Young seedlings will become dormant over the summer months, ensure the bulbs do not dry out completely during this time.

Cultivation

Repot bulbs between July and September. Water lightly after repotting. During the dormant period keep bulbs on the dry side. No pruning required. Propagate via offsets in late summer.