Guide to growing Bluebell - Scilla

Members of the Scilla genus range in height from 15 to 90cm.

They are usually grown ad a hardy bulb in the garden.

Scilla blooms from spring to the start of summer, and has bell or tubular shaped flowers of blue, white or purple carried on spikes.

Some common names for Scilla include Bluebell, Cuban Lily, Spanish Bluebell, Hyacinth of Peru and Blue Squill.

How to grow Bluebell

It is easiest to grow bluebell and other Scilla species from bulbs; these should be planted outdoors in the autumn; plant smaller Scilla varieties at about 8cm deep, and larger species at 12cm. Space the bulbs 9cm (small) to 12cm (large) apart.

If you prefer to grow from seed then start them off indoors in the spring. First imbibe the bluebell seeds by sowing them in flats (lightly cover the seed), put them in a black bag, and place in the fridge for three weeks. Flats should then be sank into a shady part of the garden. It should take from one to six months to germinate. Transplant the young seedlings into either a sunny or partially shaded part of the garden that has a good drainage and a rich loamy soil of pH 6 to 7. It should take about 4 years until seed grown Scilla will flower.

Caring for Bluebells

Scilla species such as Bluebells are pretty easy to look after. They like moist ground so water well when flowering. However, when flowering has finished, stop watering and allow the bulbs to dry. Additionally, apply manure every autumn. You may like to grow them in a contained part of the garden as Scilla spreads rapidly. If you require further plants then plant the offsets that Scilla produce in the autumn.