Guide to growing Star of Bethlehem - Ornithogalum
Ornithogalum range from 10cm to 60cm in height and are grown as half hardy or hardy bulbs in the garden.
Ornithogalum flower in the spring or summer (species dependent) with star shaped white flowers atop leafless stems.
Some common names for Ornithogalum include Star of Bethlehem and Chincherinchee.
How to grow Star of Bethlehem
It is easiest to grow Star of Bethlehem from bulbs; these should be planted at from 7 to 15cm deep in the spring (for summer flowering) or Autumn (for spring flowering). The Star of Bethlehem should be planted at about 10 to 15cm apart into a rich soil. Ornithogalum species are able to grow in both sunny and shady areas of the garden, but they do require good drainage.
If growing Star of Bethlehem from seeds then it is best to sow the seeds in flats in the spring (lightly cover the seeds). The flat should then be covered n a plastic bag and placed in the fridge for about three weeks. The flat should then be sunk into the ground in a shady part of the garden and allowed to germinate, Star of Bethlehem can take anything from one to six months to germinate. Once young seedlings appear transplant them to their final location. It should take about 4 years until Ornithogalum grown from seed will first bloom, but the pleasure from growing from seeds is well worth the wait.
Caring for Star of bethlehem and other Ornithogalum plants
It is fairly easy to look after Star of Bethlehem and similar Ornithogalum species; they should be fertilized in April by mixing manure into the soil; they will also require a light fertilising until the end of the summer. Once established Ornithogalum may encroach so weed if appropriate.