Baba’s Maltese Cross (Lychnis chalcedonica) - My grandmother's flower gardens wrapped around the farmhouse from the back step to the front, neatly divided by a hand poured concrete sidewalk. Along the edges of the walk, under the kitchen window, I recall these large showy umbels of strikingly deep scarlet red flowers bobbing high above on slender green foliage. Years later, I identified them as Maltese Cross, which my grandmother used as a border plant and occasionally as a cut-flower. The seed was collected and successive generations continue to grow those brilliant border plants along their own garden pathways. Grows well in multiple soil types and is hardy to Zone 3.
75 seeds per packet
Growing Information: Start indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost or direct sow in spring after frost danger. Sow seeds on the soil surface and press lightly. Keep soil moist under bright light. Seeds germinate in 14–21 days.
Transplant or thin to 30–40 cm apart in full sun. Prefers well-drained soil and will benefit from staking as it grows tall.
Days to Germination: 7 - 21
Plant Spacing: 12" (30cm)
Plant Height: 36" (90cm)
Features:
Hardiness Zones: Hardy to Zone 3
Bloom Time: Spring to Summer
Light Requirements: Full Sun
Attracts Bees & Butterflies
Deer Resistant
Heat & Drought Resistant
Great as Cut Flowers or Bouquets
