Silene vulgaris

Germination

Sow into a cold frame in autumn or early spring. Sow directly after danger of frost has passed. Surface sow onto moist, well-drained seed compost. Just cover seed with a sprinkling of soil. Ideal temp. 20°C. Cold frame sowings should germinate in spring as the weather warms. Direct sowings take 2-3 weeks to germinate. Cold frame seedlings should be transplanted to 8cm pots and grown on under glass, acclimatised and planted out after danger of frost has passed. Direct sowings may be thinned if required.

Growing

Prefers a moist but well-drained neutral to alkaline soil in full or partial sun.

Cultivation

Will self-seed freely in ideal growing conditions. Established plants may be divided in spring.