Maltese Cross seeds - Grow vibrant flowers with Heirloom perennial flower seeds

🌱 Lychnis chalcedonica — Maltese Cross, Jerusalem Cross

These seeds are for the vibrant and heirloom perennial flower, Lychnis chalcedonica, belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family. Key selling points include its unique, cross-shaped flowers and its ability to attract pollinators, making it a great addition to any garden.

🌿 Botanical Description

Lychnis chalcedonica is a herbaceous perennial plant that grows from 0.4 to 1 m in height. The stem is round in cross-section and has hairs on its surface. The leaves are sharp, lanceolate-ovate, and semi-stem-encompassing, sometimes with heart-shaped protrusions. The underside and front surface of the leaves are rough. The flowers are bisexual, arranged in heads or conical shields, and can reach 20 mm in diameter. The petals are bilobed and can be colored pink, white, deep red, pale yellow, or deep orange. The fruit is a multi-nut with kidney-shaped seeds of dark yellow color, reaching 0.2 cm in diameter.

🌾 Growing & Agrotechnics

• Sow seeds on the surface, with a sowing depth of about 1-2 mm, and maintain a temperature of around 20°C during the day and 15°C at night.
• Germination typically occurs within 1-3 weeks, and the optimal germination temperature is between 15-20°C.
• Lychnis chalcedonica prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
• Water regularly, but avoid overwatering, and fertilize lightly during the growing season.
• It is hardy in USDA zones 4-8 and has a moderate level of frost tolerance.

🗺️ Natural Growing Areas

Lychnis chalcedonica is native to Europe and Asia, typically growing in well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade. It can be found in a variety of habitats, including meadows, rocky outcrops, and woodland edges, at altitudes ranging from sea level to 2000 meters.

✨ Interesting Facts

Lychnis chalcedonica has been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties, and its roots have been used as a dye plant. The plant is also a popular choice for cottage gardens and attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. In addition, Lychnis chalcedonica has been used in floral arrangements for its unique, cross-shaped flowers.