Hard to Start Seeds!! Bells of Ireland and Bupleurum - Growing Cut Flowers, Sunshine and Flora

Bells of Ireland and Bupleurum are 2 varieties of cut flowers that are a little tricky to start from seed! In this video I share the method of starting Bupleurum that worked well for me last year. And I will be trying a method to starting Bells of Ireland that I have seen work well for others! Wish me luck!
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[@ruthoie7626]

I grew Bells of Ireland for the first time last year and had great luck starting them by the paper towel method but not the way you are doing it. The method I saw and used, said put the seeds in a damp paper towel in a closed plastic bag in the fridge for two weeks remove them and place the whole thing on a heat mat. The seeds started germinating within a couple days. I used this method again this year and I have happy little BOI's under the grow lights which sprouted a few days ago. It will be interesting to see if yours sprout in the cold fridge as I would think they need warmth to stimulate the root to emerge. Be fun to see the difference in the two methods.

[@melaniepeppard3050]

Yes! That’s how I start mine too. Strat. for a few weeks and then just put the bag on a heat mat. Works every time.

[@treesawlimbnahbirch6788]

How long after they sprout do you transplant into containers

[@ruthoie7626]

@@treesawlimbnahbirch6788 I check them everyday and any that have sprouted I plant into a seed starting mix. I would guess some people probably use a potting mix but I feel safer using a sterile seed mix to guard against damping off. Someone mentioned starting them in a damp coffee filter and I think I might try that as well. The first little root that comes out probably couldn't penetrate the filter as quickly as they can the paper towel.

[@kaitlinjohnson2915]

In my experience, you need to let the baggie be in the fridge for a week or two but then it needs to come up and go on a heat mat (70° or so). That’s what worked for me. Mine have not ever germinated in my fridge. But the fridge gives them the stratification. Flower Hill Farms has a video on it! Thanks for the bupluerum tips! It’s my first time with those.

[@SunshineFlora]

Thanks!

[@cricardol]

I find Coffee filters to be better than paper towels. The root tend to penetrate the paper towel and it's hard to remove. Coffee filters (I use v60 or chemex filters) won't allow the root to penetrate and will keep the humidity.

[@SunshineFlora]

Oh good tip

[@deborahard6780]

I recently started some Bupleurum for my first time. I live in the south and it’s already getting hot here. I planted my seeds in a 72 cell tray, put a dome over it and set it on the floor with no lights and they germinated in just a short while. I guess I had beginners luck. As soon as most of the seed germinated I placed them under grow lights. I think “needs darkness” means they have to be covered well with dirt. The seed packet said cover 1/4”. Happy growing!

[@nancyschippel7109]

Thank you for this video. I’ve been trying to grow Bupleurum for a couple years without much luck. I used your method with great success! Thanks so much!

[@SunshineFlora]

Great to hear!

[@SeedSowr2]

Christina, you might want to check out Nicole’s from flower hill farms youtube video on sprouting bells of Ireland. She used a heat mat. Love following you, you’re a great teacher.

[@azusakenney4418]

I grew bells of Ireland. I put them in the freezer a couple weeks in the moist paper towel in the ziplock bag. Then place on heat mat. Then seeds starts sprouting. Put them in the cell trays. Works well not too bad. But still they aren't easy to get germinated.

[@dksgardenoasis]

I did the wet paper towel method two ways, one bag on a heat mat, one in the fridge. The heat mat germinated in 5 days... nothing yet for the frig and it's been over 14 days. Thanks for the tips about the Blupleurum. I'm about to start those seeds.

[@SunshineFlora]

Thanks!

[@KirstinLDavidson]

I had my Bells of Ireland in a wet paper towel in a baggie in the fridge for a week then took them out and put them under my grow lights where it is warm (not in a heat mat). They just about all sprouted in 3 days. These were seeds I saved from my plants last year. I over estimated the germination rate and I don’t have room for all of them so I’ll be sharing them with neighbours 😂

[@SunshineFlora]

Ooh! I hope I have that good of luck!

[@judymckerrow6720]

Thanks Christina. Good luck on your seed starting.❄️💚🙃

[@kaymill5565]

You are cranking out such great videos! Thank you!!

[@SunshineFlora]

Thanks!

[@dorindafulton]

I gave up on bells over 15 years ago. Never had luck with them. I'm trying again with a tall and short pixie type. I'll do a video of different methods and see what works or fails again. Great video as always 😊 Thanks for sharing and have a great weekend and happy gardening 🌿🌱😊🤗

[@margarethairsine8648]

Thank you for the tip on Bupleurum...I have never grown it before and will for sure try this method. The Bells I do have one season of experience with tho....I am not sure if they will sprout in the fridge. I think 2 weeks in the fridge and then put on your heat mat and you should see sprouts within a couple of days or so. xo

[@kaitlinjohnson2915]

I did the method you recommend for bupleurum (only difference being that I put my seeds in damp paper towels in the fridge for a couple weeks, not dry seeds in the fridge or freezer). Anyway, I just checked and I have some sprouts! After just a week! And my utility room is COLD. It stays 55-60. Hoping for similar results from the larkspur I’m also trying to grow this way. 🤞🏼

[@SunshineFlora]

Awesome!!

[@lorrainecourtney4589]

Best wishes, you can do it 😁😁😁

[@Floraltherapyfe]

I’m sure there’s many “right” ways, but what works for me is what you’re doing to the fridge for 3-5 days, then toss the baggie on the heat mat and take them out as they germinate and put in a 2” pot with a thin later of soil on top. If you don’t see germination in the fridge I’d transfer to a heat mat!

[@SunshineFlora]

Thanks! I may try exactly this!

[@kenkouches7603]

Another great video Christina! I wasn't aware of the stratification of the Bells of Ireland. I too had difficulty finding them this year but I did get a packet. I planted them yesterday, but I didn't use your method. However, I still have some so i'm going to try the frig method and we'll see what pops us first. Last year, I literally threw the seeds in one of my beds and did nothing to them and they actually did beautifully...go figure! Anyways, looking forward to your next video!

[@SunshineFlora]

Good luck!

[@brookehoffman7939]

Great video. I’ve never had to do anything special to germinate the Bells of Ireland & had great success.

[@vivherman2296]

I 'm still waiting on my bells seed/bupleurum to come in. Never had bells before. I've had Bupleurum in a small patch by my driveway. I let some go to seed and they come back along the edge in gravel also in ivy. But... when they are ready so early; I don't have anything else to put with them! Only 30 or so plants. I always just let them go and I get a few back. Definitely one of those cool flowers! Hoophouse!! hoophouse!!! so waiting for that!

[@SeedSowr2]

Hi Christine, I have a hard time starting buplureum I get a sprout here and there. So I tried winter sowing and got many sprouts. I’m going to try your way next time. Thanks for all your videos they really help!

[@stacylamountain2233]

I do not put the Bells in the fridge. I put the closed baggie on the heat mat. Once they germinate, I put the seedling in a cell tray and it works great!

[@jennykeilig]

Hi Christina! As always, great video! Thanks for sharing how you’re starting these two. I’m going to try your methods as this is my first time with Bupleurum and Bells of Ireland. -Jenny 😊

[@SunshineFlora]

You are so welcome!

[@victoriaisham8902]

Thanks for sharing! I am trying to do the same thing! Hoping it works! 🌸

[@violetgracie3184]

Thanks!

[@lorilucas8232]

Hi, super helpful video. Do you water the bupleurum at all while they are in the dark?

[@SunshineFlora]

I mist them to make sure they don’t dry out

[@lauramunderloh547]

After watching your video a couple weeks ago about moist germinating bells of Ireland, just curious if you have any germination yet? I know they can take longer but just wondering. I started some that way after seeing your method. If not can you please keep us posted? Thanks

[@SunshineFlora]

Yes! You’ll see them in this weekend’s video!

[@sharonbarfield4284]

Thanks for the tips. In your experience, how long were your Bupleurum in the dark before you saw germination?

[@SunshineFlora]

If I remember right it was maybe a week or two? I should have written it down

[@cherylbolivar10]

Thanks for this video. Very helpful. You mentioned that you succession sow your bupleurem. I'm assuming for the successions those are direct seeded in the garden? If so, do you still keep the seeds in the freezer before seeding them out? Also, what is the timing between successions? Thanks 😊

[@SunshineFlora]

Yes - this year I ordered plugs that will go in the ground, then will do another round of direct seeding. Seeds will just stay in the freezer til I use them

[@lindseyquast915]

Hey! How are the Bupleurum going?? I want to start them but there are SO many different methods and I'm so scared to try any of them LOL ! I need to just get brave and do it!

[@SunshineFlora]

Just starting to sprout!

[@rhondanicholson889]

How often do you water them. And I love your videos

[@SunshineFlora]

Thanks! I check things every day.

[@DeAnne9743]

What is up with sloth lisianthus? 😂They have to be the laziest seedlings I've ever seen. I don't think I will ever see actual flowers from them! 🪷🌹

[@3kidmama]

Lizzies have a CRAZY long grow/sprouting time. Check out Garden Answer w Laura who plants her Lizzie seeds like in Jan to have ready to plant outside in May or some crazy time like that. Lots of people buy plugs because they are so challenging to germinate and not kill off delicate seedlings with months of indoor care.....they certainly are BEAUTIFUL tho!

[@amiflowers3280]

Mine are to litlle. And are 2 mounth old

[@SunshineFlora]

they are SUPER slow! But worth it if you have patience :)