Planting Instructions
Mertensia virginica, commonly known as Virginia Bluebells, are beloved spring ephemerals with beautiful blue flowers. Here's a guide to growing them from seed:
Mertensia virginica (Virginia Bluebells) Growing Guide
Site Selection
Sunlight: Virginia Bluebells prefer partial to full shade. They thrive under the canopy of deciduous trees, as they bloom and go dormant before the trees fully leaf out.
Soil: They need moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. They prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH.
Location: Choose a location in a woodland garden, under trees, or in a shady border. They are excellent for naturalizing in a woodland setting.
Direct Sowing Outdoors
Fall Planting (Recommended):
Timing: Sow seeds in the fall, a few weeks before the first expected frost. This allows the seeds to experience the necessary cold stratification over the winter.
Preparation: Clear the planting area of weeds and debris. Amend the soil with compost or leaf mold to improve drainage and fertility.
Sowing: Scatter the seeds evenly over the soil surface. Lightly press them into the soil or cover them with a very thin layer of soil (no more than 1/4 inch).
Watering: Water the seeds gently but thoroughly. Keep the soil consistently moist until germination.
Spring Planting:
Timing: Sow seeds in the spring, after the last expected frost. However, spring sowing is less reliable than fall sowing because the seeds may not receive adequate cold stratification.
Preparation: Follow the same soil preparation steps as for fall planting.
Sowing: Scatter seeds and lightly press them into the soil, covering with a thin layer of soil (no more than 1/4 inch).
Watering: Water gently and keep the soil consistently moist until germination.
Starting Seeds Indoors (Less Common)
Timing: Start seeds indoors in late winter, about 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost.
Preparation: Use seed starting trays or pots filled with a well-draining seed starting mix.
Sowing: Sow seeds about 1/4 inch deep in the seed starting mix.
Stratification: Virginia Bluebell seeds require cold stratification. You can mimic this by placing the seed trays or pots in the refrigerator for 8-12 weeks before sowing. Keep the soil consistently moist during this period.
Germination: After the stratification period, bring the seed trays to a warmer location with adequate light (grow lights or a sunny window). Germination can be erratic and may take several weeks.
Transplanting: Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted outdoors. Harden off the seedlings gradually by exposing them to outdoor conditions for increasing periods each day before transplanting. Be very gentle when transplanting as the roots are delicate.
Seed Scarification
Scarification is not necessary for Virginia Bluebell seeds.
Maintenance Tips
Watering: Virginia Bluebells need consistently moist soil, especially during their active growing period in the spring. Water regularly, particularly during dry spells. They will go dormant in the summer, at which point watering should be reduced.
Fertilizing: They generally do not require heavy fertilization. Adding compost or leaf mold to the soil is usually sufficient.
Mulching: A light layer of mulch can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pest and Disease Control: Virginia Bluebells are relatively pest and disease resistant. Slugs and snails can sometimes be a problem.
Do Not Disturb: Once Virginia Bluebells go dormant in the summer, do not disturb the area as they are storing energy for the following year's growth.
Invasiveness
Virginia Bluebells are not considered invasive. They can self-seed in favorable conditions, but they are not aggressive spreaders. They will form clumps over time.
Important Notes
Virginia Bluebells are spring ephemerals, meaning they bloom in the spring and then go dormant in the summer.
They are a valuable early source of nectar for pollinators.
They are deer-resistant.
