Bunch Flower Seeds
Melanthium virginicum
- HOW TO GROW
- FAST FACTS
HOW TO GROW
Sowing: Plant just below the surface of the soil in late fall. To start indoors, mix the bunch flower seed with moist sand and store it in the refrigerator for 60 days before planting in a germination flat. This Melanthium Virginicum seed is notoriously slow to germinate, taking anywhere from 3-12 months. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination.
Growing: In its first year, this plant primarily develops its root system and may only produce a few leaves. Keep the soil moist, and do not allow it to dry out for long. Growing the bunch flower plant in a pot for the first several years may help it become established in a protected environment; the plant usually takes 8-10 years to reach its full growth. These blooms attract numerous bees and butterflies.
Harvesting: These blossoms do not perform well as cut flowers, and are best enjoyed outdoors.
Seed Saving: After the cluster of flowers has finished blooming, papery seed pods will form. As soon as the pods begin to turn dry and brown, cut the entire cluster of pods and let it dry completely. Separate the tan-colored seeds from the pods. Plant immediately or store the bunch flower seeds in a cool, dry place.
FAST FACTS
Common Names: Bunchflower Lily
Latin Name: Melanthium virginicum
Species Origin: US Native Wildflower
Type: Native Wildflowers
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Zones: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
US Regions: Midwest, Northeast, Southeast
Seeds per Ounce: 9,800
Stratification: Cold/Wet for 8 Weeks
Germination Ease: Stratify 8 Weeks
Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun
Height: 60 Inches
Color: White
Bloom Season: Blooms Early Summer, Blooms Late Summer
DESCRIPTION
HOW TO GROW
Sowing: Plant just below the surface of the soil in late fall. To start indoors, mix the bunch flower seed with moist sand and store it in the refrigerator for 60 days before planting in a germination flat. This Melanthium Virginicum seed is notoriously slow to germinate, taking anywhere from 3-12 months. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination.
Growing: In its first year, this plant primarily develops its root system and may only produce a few leaves. Keep the soil moist, and do not allow it to dry out for long. Growing the bunch flower plant in a pot for the first several years may help it become established in a protected environment; the plant usually takes 8-10 years to reach its full growth. These blooms attract numerous bees and butterflies.
Harvesting: These blossoms do not perform well as cut flowers, and are best enjoyed outdoors.
Seed Saving: After the cluster of flowers has finished blooming, papery seed pods will form. As soon as the pods begin to turn dry and brown, cut the entire cluster of pods and let it dry completely. Separate the tan-colored seeds from the pods. Plant immediately or store the bunch flower seeds in a cool, dry place.
FAST FACTS
Common Names: Bunchflower Lily
Latin Name: Melanthium virginicum
Species Origin: US Native Wildflower
Type: Native Wildflowers
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Zones: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
US Regions: Midwest, Northeast, Southeast
Seeds per Ounce: 9,800
Stratification: Cold/Wet for 8 Weeks
Germination Ease: Stratify 8 Weeks
Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun
Height: 60 Inches
Color: White
Bloom Season: Blooms Early Summer, Blooms Late Summer