Moluccella laevis

Germination

Sow indoors. Sow 3mm deep into moist free draining seed compost. Cold stratify. Seal in a plastic bag and chill 3-5°C for 2 weeks. Then place in warmth or propagate 15°C. Germination should take 14-21 days from placing in the warm. Germination can be slow. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle to 8cm pots. Grow on in cooler conditions. Acclimatise and plant out after danger of frost has passed with 30cm spacing. Can be direct sown in spring with natural cold/warmth offering ideal conditions for germination.

Growing

Prefers a well-drained site in full sun. If exposed stems may require staking.

Cultivation

For cutting, harvest flowers at their peak of blooming, they are hollow stemmed so if using oasis a wire inserted into the hollow stem will help. Stems dry to a lovely straw colour.