Plug Connection
Moluccella laevis 'Bells of Ireland'
Bells can sometimes be tricky to germinate, so we have you covered. Plant the moment they arrive. These are easily root bound, so get them out of their tray right away.
Order 6 or more weeks ahead of your desired ship date.
Grown in a 288 cell tray billed as 285
Photo 1 courtesy of Melissa Fischbach, Wild Hollow Farm
Photo 2 courtesy of Mara Tyler, The Farm at Oxford
Photo 3 courtesy of Amanda Keene, Flowers on Phoenix
Photo 4, 5, 6 courtesy of Heidi Luck, Luck of Bolton Farm
Order Minimums & Tray Sizes
The minimum Plug Connection order is four total trays (each tray can be a different variety)
A full shipping box contains FOUR 128 cell trays or a combination of 128 and 288 cell trays.
*If you are only ordering 288 cell trays, then FIVE trays will fill a box.
Growing Guides
Click here to access our comprehensive growing guides containing everything you need to know about this crop.
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 |