Maltese Cross Seeds

Heirloom Maltese Cross has been in cultivation for centuries, acquiring a variety of names from gardeners who have appreciated its bold color and flowering stamina –Jerusalem Cross, Scarlet Lightning, Nonesuch, and more. This low-maintenance, hardy perennial has brilliant scarlet clustered blooms that appear reliably every summer. Its long bloom time adds to informal meadow gardens and mixed borders. Deer and rabbits avoid it, and it is an excellent cut flower as well. Deadhead for extended bloom.

Botanical Name: Lychnis chalcedonica

Lifecycle: Perennial

Zone: 4 - 8

Size: 3 ft. tall x 1 ft. wide

Spacing: 2ft.

Planting Depth: Surface sow and press in lightly; requires light to germinate.

Sprout Time: 7-21 days

Starting Indoors: Sow 6–8 weeks before last frost and cover with humidity dome to retain moisture until germination occurs. Keep at 65-70°F.

Starting Outdoors: Direct sow mid-spring to early summer. May bloom the first year if sown indoors.

When to Set Outside: After last spring frost.