Maltese Cross Lychnis Chalcedonica has been one of the most popular cultivated garden flowers for over 300 years. Maltese Cross seeds can be sown indoors or directly outdoors, and the plant can bloom first year if the seeds are started indoors. Also known as Jerusalem Cross, Lychnis Chalcedonica produces rounded umbels of delightful, star-shaped, bright-scarlet flowers on a tall sturdy flowering stems. The extremely showy, brilliant scarlet flowers of Maltese Cross are very eye-catching in the garden, and the dazzling blooms attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds all summer long.
Maltese Cross makes a great border, cottage and cutting garden plant providing a stunning display of red color when planted in mass. Lychnis Chalcedonica seeds produce a hardy, trouble-free perennial flower that is reliable and long-lived. Maltese Cross grows best in full sun tolerating partial shade and any good soil if a constant moisture supply is provided. The blooming period is extended if faded flowers are removed, and Maltese Cross is an excellent cut flower.
PLANT PROFILE
Season: Perennial
Height: 30-34 Inches
Bloom Season: Summer
Environment: Sun/Partial Shade
Soil Type: Rich/Average/Moist well-drained, pH 5.8-6.8
USDA Zones: 3-10
PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS
Sow Indoors: Winter/Spring (6-8 weeks before last frost)
Sow Outdoors: Spring/Fall
Seed Depth: 1/16 Inch
Germination Time: 14-21 Days
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