Growing lily of the valley from seed

 

Lily of the valley also known as Convallaria is a hardy perennial that reaches about twenty centimeter in height. Actually the lily of the valley flowers are small, white or pink and bell-like; the plant bloom at the end of spring.

Lily of the valley makes good plants to provide ground coverage in shady areas of the garden. Lily of the valley seeds are very easy to grow. Continue reading to learn how to grow lily of the valley seeds.

 

Lily of the Valley Plant Info

The common names: The common names are Lily Of The Valley, Mary’s Tears, Our Lady’s Tears, May Lily, Muguet.

Plant life cycle: The plant is hardy perennial.

The family: The plants belong to Asparagaceae.

Plant height: six to eight inches

Native area: The plant is native to Europe, Asia.

USDA hardiness zones: USDA hardiness zones two to nine.

The flowers: Bloom late spring through to early summer

 

Sowing and Planting

How to plant lily of the valley roots: Rhizome, two to three inches (five to eight centimeter). End of winter or early in the spring. Spacing about four to six inches.

Lily of the valley seeds: Cover, end of winter or early in the spring.

The germination time: 2 months to 1 year, lily of the valley seeds should first be sown into flats, cover with layers of a compost and then gravel. The next thing to do is to sink the flat into the ground in an area that offers shade. Once the seedlings emerge, transplant them to pots. However, growing lily of the valley in pots is possible. Upon further growth the plant can be transferred to a nursery bed. You can allow them to grow there for about two years, and then transfer to the garden at the start of spring or in autumn.

Plant requirements: Grow lily of the valley seeds in partial shade for best results; lily of the valley seeds can be grown in full shade. Ensure good drainage. A moist, fertile soil with added organic material is very important. Make sure there is regular and deep watering during dry periods. You can add a top dressing of two inches leaf mold in the autumn. Feed the plant regularly with liquid seaweed whilst growing; try and avoid fertilizer on the leaves. The lily of the valley plants should be divided every 5 years to maintain vigour. Lily of the valley problems are minimal.

 

Growing Lily of the Valley and other Convallaria species

If you are actually planning to grow Convallaria outdoors from seed then it should be sown out at the end of winter.

The lily of the valley seeds should be sown in flats, covered in compost, and has a layer of glass for protection.

If you are growing Lilies of the valley from rhizomes then they should be buried at a depth of about five to eight centimeter.

The germination can take from 2 months up to 1 year. Once the plant seedlings have appeared they should be transplanted into individual pots.

Once the Convallaria plant appears to be growing strong they should be moved to a dedicated nursery bed for about 2 years. After this time the plant can be moved to its final location.

This should be a partially shaded part of the garden (Lily of the Valley will actually grow in full shade, but will not produce abundant flowers) with good drainage.

 

How to Care for Lily of the Valley

The Lily of the valley plants should be spaced about twelve centimeters apart into an organic soil that is both moist and rich.

Once the plant is established further plants can be had by division in the autumn.

The lily of the valley plants require a lot of watering and it should be fertilized at the beginning of spring (don’t splash fertilizer onto the leaves). In the autumn a top dressing with leaf mold will help to protect the lily of the valley plant.

The plant should be divided every five years to maintain vigorous growth. Lily of the valley problems are minimal.