Canterbury Bells Care Tips: How to Grow Canterbury Bells

Canterbury bells (Campanula medium) are a type of biennial flower. Also known as cups and saucers, Canterbury bells have bell-shaped blooms are indicative of flowers belonging to the bellflower family, Campanulaceae. Native to Southern Europe, Canterbury bells thrive in temperate regions, particularly USDA hardiness zones five to eight. As a biennial, they produce a small mound of rosettes and foliage in their first year before producing flowers in their second year. Their life cycle is complete at the end of the growing season of their second year.

There are several varieties of Canterbury bells, each with its own unique cultivars that offer a wide array of colors and sizes. Canterbury bells’ flowers can come in shades of white, blue, pink, and purple. Their bloom time lasts from early summer to autumn. They make great additions to cottage gardens or cut flower arrangements. Canterbury bells are non-toxic and considered not poisonous for people or pets.

Whether you sow seeds directly in the soil or purchase mature plants, consider these tips for growing and caring for Canterbury bells.

1. 1. Sowing seeds: Canterbury bells seeds are commonly found at local garden supply stores in the northern US. If starting from seed, plant Canterbury bells indoors in soil-filled trays in late winter. Germination can take three to four weeks. Harden off seedlings in the spring by exposing them to outdoor temperatures for short intervals. After you’ve hardened them for a week and the last frost of the season has passed, plant the seedlings in your garden.
2. 2. Spacing: Space your plants twelve to fifteen inches apart, as they can reach widths of twelve to eighteen inches when mature.
3. 3. Light: Canterbury bells thrive in full sun. They will tolerate partial shade, but won't yield the best blooms. For the biggest blooms, plant Canterbury bells in a flower bed that receives six hours of full sun a day. In hot climates, provide afternoon shade to protect the plants from getting scorched.
4. 4. Water: Canterbury bells plants do best in moist soil. They will not tolerate flooded soil or drought. Keep the soil wet but not soaked. A layer of mulch at the base of the plants can help retain soil moisture.
5. 5. Soil: Canterbury bells do best in rich, well-draining soil. Any potting soil formulated for flowering plants will do the trick.
6. 6. Pruning: Deadhead withered flowers to encourage new growth and keep the plants healthy.
7. 7. Fertilizing: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer in the late spring to encourage new growth. Then water your plants to ensure the fertilizer seeps into the soil adequately.
8. 8. Staking: These plants can reach heights of twenty to twenty-six inches tall. You may need to stake your plants to keep them standing tall.

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