Maltese Cross – Ontario Seed Company

Lychnis chalcedonica

Large showy umbels of brilliant scarlet red flowers sit high above the foliage from May through August. Rich green foliage is very fine, almost hair-like in appearance making an interesting contrast with the flowers. Maltese Cross is very popular for borders and cut flowers. Grows quite well in dry, sandy soils. Hardy to Zone 3.

How to Grow

Blooms the first year from early March sowing started indoors. Germinates at 20 C (70 F) in 28 days. Do not cover seed as they respond to light for improved germination. Chill seed for 2-3 weeks at 5 C (40 F) prior to planting. Late fall sowing directly outdoors is also very effective as this allows the seed to be naturally stratified over the winter.

Perennial.

Approx. 125 seeds/pkt.