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Growing Bountiful Bells of Ireland with Luck of Bolton Farm

Moluccela laevis is a hardy annual that goes by the common name of Bells of Ireland, though these tall, bold green beauties are native to Asia. Each showy 'bell' is actually a calyx surrounding the tiny, fragrant bloom within. This makes their striking spikes extremely long-lasting in the vase.

Though they are fairly easy to grow, Bells can be tough to germinate.

Smart flower farmers like Heidi Luck of Luck of Bolton Farm source Farmer Bailey plugs to give their Bells a smashing start. Heidi shared her glowing photos and growing tips for a glorious harvest, below.

Heidi Luck's Experience

Heidi Luck is a third generation farmer and dedicated gardener. Though she and her family had moved on from professional agriculture, growing Dahlias for her daughter's wedding guided her blossoming love of flower farming.

"My friend Lisa, who has a small flower farm in Massachusetts, inspired me to grow flowers," writes Heidi. "When I asked her to grow some Dahlias for my daughter’s wedding she encouraged me to grow some of them myself. Those Dahlias and that growing season changed me. Lisa showed me that I could do what I love and share that passion with others."

"As my husband, Alan, coined, it was time to 'grab the flower by the stem' and go for it! Luck of Bolton Farm, LLC was established in October 2019!"

Heidi's Bells of Ireland Tips

"These annuals are known for their tall spikes of lime-green, bell-shaped calyces surrounding tiny, fragrant white flowers. They thrive in cool, dry climates, love well-draining soil, and need support to keep their stems upright."

"I planted these in my unheated tunnel in March in zone 6b, Bolton, CT."

"I packed them tight at 4”, with 40% shade cloth until mid-April, and gave them a few liquid fish fertilizer applications."

"I actually left them in place all summer, and I harvested again in September! I also left some to go to seed & I am seeing sprouts! I’d love to have a permanent Bells bed."

"I just planted another tray, so we’ll see if I can get the same length again?" (March, 2025)

"I’m obsessed with their unique texture—perfect for adding flair to any floral design! They last a few weeks in a vase, making them a go-to for bouquets."

"The scent? It reminds me of Skittles—I can’t get enough! Look for these beauties in May and June."

"My florist loved them! Couldn't do it without Farmer Bailey."

Heidi's Designs

Bells of Ireland Growing Guide

Photo Credit: Amanda Keene of Flowers on Phoenix grew these tremendous Bells of Ireland from Farmer Bailey plugs.

Common Name	Bells of Ireland
Genus	Moluccella
Species	M. laevis
Family	Lamiaceae
Life Cycle	Hardy annual
Format	Plugs
Plug Care	Harden off and plant immediately after arrival, do not allow plugs to become rootbound or experience any stressful conditions prior to planting or they may flower prematurely. Be gentle with the root ball while transplanting as this species does not like root disturbances.
Netting / Staking	1-2 layers of netting is recommended.
Temperature Range	These are cold loving plants - plugs should be planted a couple weeks before the last frost date in your area. They can handle a light frost but should be protected during a heavy frost event. A long cool period while establishing will give the tallest, best quality stems. The plants will stop producing and decline in quality as the heat of summer starts to kick in mid-July.
Spacing	10-14"
Soil Preference	Neutral to slightly acidic pH, well drained and nutrient rich. Amend bed with compost and granular fertilizer before planting.
Day Length	Day Neutral. Plant in full sun.
Pinching	Do not pinch.
When to Plant	Plant in early spring, before the last frost. They can handle a light frost but should be protected from a deep freeze event.
Harvesting	Expect flowers to appear only 5-6 weeks after transplanting (temperature depending). For fresh cuts, wait until you see the small white flowers starting to develop within the bells. If harvesting to dry, wait until the small white flowers are completely open.
Post Harvest Care	Expect up to one week vase life. For a cleaner look, try stripping or snipping all the leaves from between the bells. Cut stems should be placed into cool water immediately. Hang upside down in warm, dry, well ventilated area for drying.
Diseases / Insects	Moluccella plants are very robust plants are rarely suffer from disease or insect pressure.
Bailey's Notes	Bells of Ireland do have thorns hidden between the bells so be aware of these during harvest. If the seeds are allowed to mature and fall from the plant they will readily germinate the following spring.
Resources	Three Acre Farm Guide to Growing Bells of Ireland