Coral bells, also known as heuchera, are beautiful perennial flowering plants that add a pop of color to any garden with their rosette-shaped leaves and dainty, bell-shaped flowers. While you can purchase mature coral bell plants from a nursery, starting them from seed is a fun, inexpensive way to get a large number of plants.
Here is a full guide that will show you how to grow coral bells from seeds, from collecting the seeds to moving the seedlings outside. You’ll learn everything you need to know to grow these beautiful plants, whether you’re an experienced gardener who wants to add to your coral bell collection or a beginner who wants to try growing plants from seeds for the first time.
Gathering Coral Bell Seeds
The first step is acquiring coral bell seeds. There are a couple options:
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If you already have a coral bell plant, wait for it to bloom and then pick the seed pods when they are dry and brown. Cut the pods open and take out the small black seeds that are inside.
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You can buy coral bell seeds at a garden store or online. There are many heirloom varieties to choose from.
When collecting seeds, the best quality comes from plants that are strong and healthy. Keep seeds in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to plant them.
Cold Stratification
Many coral bell species require a period of cold stratification before seeds will sprout. This mimics winter conditions in nature. To stratify seeds:
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Place seeds between damp paper towels and refrigerate for 4-6 weeks. Check moisture level weekly.
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Alternatively, mix seeds with equal parts damp perlite or vermiculite. Refrigerate for 4-6 weeks, checking moisture weekly.
After stratification, seeds will be prepped and ready to plant.
Sowing the Seeds
Once seeds are stratified, it’s time to sow them. I recommend starting coral bells indoors 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost.
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Fill seed starting trays with moist seed starting mix. Gently press seeds into the mix without covering them.
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Lightly water the seeds to settle them. Place trays in a warm area (65-70°F).
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Germination takes 10-20 days. Provide 14-16 hours of light daily once sprouted and keep soil moist.
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Transplant sprouts to larger containers once 2 sets of true leaves emerge. Use potting soil and provide adequate light.
With proper sowing and care, you’ll have vigorous seedlings ready for transplanting outside.
Transplanting Outdoors
Coral bell seedlings can be moved outdoors after all danger of frost has passed. Follow these tips:
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Harden off plants by setting them outside in filtered sun for 7-10 days first.
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Prepare garden beds with rich, well-draining soil. Space plants 12-18 inches apart.
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Dig holes slightly wider and deeper than root balls. Set plants at same level as in pots.
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Water thoroughly after transplanting. Apply mulch around plants to retain moisture.
With proper siting and care, your homegrown coral bells will establish quickly and begin flowering in their second year. Enjoy their colorful foliage and cheery blooms!
Ongoing Care
To keep your coral bells thriving:
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Water 1-2 times per week, allowing soil to partially dry between waterings.
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Apply a balanced organic fertilizer in early spring and midsummer.
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Remove spent flower stalks after blooming. Prune back overgrown foliage in fall.
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Divide congested plants in early spring every 2-3 years. Replant divisions.
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Protect plants from slugs and snails. Remove weeds and clear debris.
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Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and limit weeds.
With attentive care, your coral bells grown from seed will flourish, providing many years of vibrant color and interest to your garden.
Troubleshooting Issues
Watch for these potential coral bell problems:
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Powdery mildew – Improve air circulation. Use neem oil or sulfur spray.
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Leaf spots/blight – Avoid overhead watering. Improve drainage.
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Root rot – Allow soil to dry between waterings.
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Chewed leaves – Apply organic slug/snail bait.
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Leggy growth – Increase sunlight. Pinch back tips to encourage bushiness.
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Lack of flowering – Divide overcrowded plants. Ensure proper sunlight.
Catching problems early allows you to take action before plants are severely impacted. With quick intervention, your coral bells will continue thriving.
The Rewards of Growing from Seed
Starting coral bells from seed brings many rewards:
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It’s inexpensive – get lots of plants from just a few dollars of seeds.
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Expand your variety – grow unique heirloom colors and forms.
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Gain a sense of accomplishment watching your plants grow.
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Share extras with gardening friends and family.
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Fill your garden with beauty that you nurtured from seed.
With this complete guide, you now have the knowledge to successfully grow vibrant coral bells from seed. Get ready for an exciting gardening adventure!
Quick Facts About Heuchera
Heuchera plants are most known for their amazing foliage colors. They are reliable perenials that require little maintenance and have a common name of coral bells. The foliage is mounding and low with tall stems appearing each spring with small bell shaped flowers. They are rich in nectar and attract pollinators and hummingbirds. The flowers are also great for cutting and make a lovely addition to the vase.
Start Heuchera seeds indoors about 8 – 10 weeks prior to the end of frost season. The seeds benefit from a 2 week cold period prior to planting.
Heuchera plants do well in full sun to partial shade, but in the hotter climates, partial shade is much preferred. The plants prefer a rich soil that has been amended with compost. They require moderate moisture, but they do not tolerate sitting in wet soil, so good soil drainage is a must.
CORAL BELLS (Heuchera spp.) – Where to Plant & How to Grow
FAQ
Can you grow coral bells from seed?
Coral bells are shade-tolerant perennials that brighten the garden with colorful foliage and spikes of tiny bell-shaped flowers. Although there are multiple ways to add these plants to your garden, starting with seeds is the most economical option. Join Briana Yablonski to learn how to grow coral bells from seed.
How do you grow a Coral Bell plant?
Collect seeds from mature plants: If you already have coral bell plants in your garden, you can collect their seeds in late summer or early fall. Look for seed pods that have dried and turned brown on the flower stalk. When you are ready to plant gently break open the pods to reveal the small black or brown seeds inside.
How long does it take coral bells to grow?
With proper care, you can expect coral bells grown from seed to mature and flower within 2-3 years. Now let’s look at each step in greater detail. The best coral bells seeds come directly from your own established plants. Here’s how to harvest:
How do you propagate coral bells?
When collecting seeds, target your healthiest, most robust coral bells varieties to propagate superior plants. Most Heuchera require a period of cold, moist stratification before seeds will sprout. This mimics winter conditions. Here are simple techniques for proper stratification at home:
How do you start Coral Bell seeds?
Seed-starting trays: You can start your coral bell seeds in any container with drainage holes, but seed-starting trays make the job easy. These trays allow water to drain and make it easy to remove mature plants from the cells.
Do coral bells grow in shade?
Coral bells are native to North America and come in a variety of foliage colors. Their dark colors can grow in full sun or some shade, and light colors can grow in soil that drains well. Heuchera are a great choice for shade gardens and woodland settings.