The pretty bluebell (Campanula) delights gardeners and viewers alike with its profuse, delicate blooms all summer long. It can be grown very easily from seeds with little effort.
Most bluebells are dark germinators, so cover the seeds with soil
Light or dark germs?
First of all: Simply throwing the seeds into the growing medium and waiting is unfortunately not enough for some types of bluebells. Many bluebells are dark germinators, which should be covered with soil about an inch thick. This includes, for example, the Carpathian bellflower. Others, such as the popular Marian bellflower, are light germinators and must never be covered with soil. Some species, on the other hand, have to be stratified before sowing, i. H. kept in the fridge for a few weeks. It is therefore advisable to check exactly what the desired species needs before sowing. However, all bluebells have the same thing in common: they germinate best at temperatures between 15 and 18 °C.
Sow bluebells
Although bluebells can be sown directly into the bed, this should only be the case after the ice saints in mid-May due to the risk of frost in many regions of Germany. It is therefore advisable to grow the plants on your windowsill at home from the end of February / beginning of May.
- Fill the seed tray with suitable, nutrient-poor soil.
- You can use potting soil, herbal soil or cactus soil for this.
- Coconut substrate ("Kokohum") is particularly suitable for light germinators.
- Lightly moisten the soil with a spray bottle.
- Plant the fine, very light seeds according to their intended variety.
- Keep the growing pot bright, but avoid direct sunlight.
- A cover would be advisable, but is not essential.
- Especially if you place the seed pot on a saucer.
The seedlings are pricked out as soon as they have formed at least one pair of leaves in addition to the two cotyledons. You can then go into the bed or outdoors from around the middle to the end of May, as soon as no more night frosts are to be expected.
Care for and plant seedlings properly
Bellflower seedlings should be kept evenly moist and not exposed to direct sunlight. Frost - especially night frost - should also be avoided. Prepare the garden soil well by loosening it and removing disturbing elements (stones, root remains, weeds). Mix the excavation from the planting hole with some sand and mature compost. Keep a planting distance of about 30 centimeters, as bluebells spread very quickly. Water the freshly planted bluebell well.
tips and tricks
Of course, it becomes particularly easy if you let existing bluebells sow them yourself instead.