MALTESE CROSS SEEDS

Silene chalcedonica

Almost offensive, the vibrant color of Maltese Cross is among the most intense and conspicuous in the garden, commanding the attention of both people and hummingbirds. A perfect foil for the monochromatic blur of common cottage garden occupants and prairie plants. Fairly ignored or deliberately avoided in contemporary garden design, it was a surprising but welcome addition to the grounds of Rotary Botanical Gardens in Wisconsin last year, inspiring me to add it to our collection.

Maltese Cross is a hardy short-lived perennial that is easy from seed and a polite self-sower. Start indoors around 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost: press seeds into moist soil and just barely dust with vermiculite as the seeds need light to germinate. Mist generously with warm water and cover with plastic to maintain moisture and temperature. Kept around 70°F in bright light seeds can be expected to germinate in 2-3 weeks. Prick out seedlings to grow on in individual 3" pots or 2" cells at warm room temperature in bright light. Harden off before transplanting into full sun around the date of the last spring frost.

Prefers to grow in rich and watered but well-drained garden soils, athough these plants will also acclimate to fields and meadows given sufficient moisture. Grows anywhere from 2'-4' depending on culture. Blooms May through July in the Midwest and Northeast. Pinch young plants to encourage more flowers and cut back to about 8" after initial bloom to encourage another flush. Though the species epithet may allude to Turkey, this species is actually Siberian and established plants are hardy in zone 3!

Packet contains at least 500 seeds.