Bellflowers (Campanula) can be propagated by seeds quite easily - as long as you know how it works. Although vegetative propagation is possible by dividing large perennials, raising cuttings is usually not crowned with success.
In the wild, bluebells reproduce themselves by sowing
Many bluebells self-seed
If you want to have a thick carpet of bluebells in the garden as quickly as possible and without much work, then do not cut off the faded inflorescences. This may take some effort, because these withered parts of the plant look very ugly, but the plant - if it has been pollinated - forms seeds and even sows them itself. After a short time you will find numerous small seedlings around the mother plant. Of course, you can also collect the bluebell seeds or buy them separately.
Prefer bluebells in spring
Bluebells can be grown on the windowsill from the end of February / beginning of March. How to grow small seedlings for the upcoming season:
- Prepare seed pots (€16.68) with seed or herb soil.
- Indoor greenhouses with hoods are ideal for growing small seedlings.
- The warm, humid climate that is so pleasant for seedlings quickly prevails there.
- However, you must air the greenhouse at least once a day.
- This is how you avoid mold formation.
- Sow the very fine, light seeds.
- Keep the substrate slightly moist.
- Place the culture vessel in a light and warm place.
- However, avoid direct sunlight.
The seedlings can then be placed in the bed or bucket from around mid-May, provided it is warm enough and no more frosts are to be expected. The young bluebells must not get frost.
What you have to consider when sowing
So far, so easy. However, growing bluebells, especially from seeds you have collected yourself, is not as easy as you might think
- many species of bluebells are dark germs, i. H. their seeds must be covered with soil.
- Others, however, are light germs, i. H. they must not be covered with earth at all.
- In addition, many bluebell seeds require stratification.
- This means they need to be kept in the fridge for a few weeks to months before sowing.
However, which of the measures described applies exactly depends on the specific type and variety of the desired bellflower.
tips and tricks
You can also multiply Campanula perennials that have become too large by simply dividing them. The best time to do this is whenever you want to repot potted plants - ergo any time during the growing season. In contrast, bluebells planted in the garden should be divided either in early autumn or early spring (i.e. before they sprout).