The Star-of-Bethlehem plant is grown from bulbs.
The star-of-Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) blooms in the late spring and summer, sending tree-like spikes into the air that harbor beautiful white flowers with yellow stamens. Grown from bulbs, this herbaceous member of the lilac family is often considered an invasive bush. You can add a star-of-Bethlehem to your landscape if you have plenty of room for the plant to spread and live within the preferred USDA hardiness zones 7 through 10.
Instructions
1. Search out an area in your yard that contains well-drained soil and full to partial sun. Test the soil with a pH testing kit. The star-of-Bethlehem prefers soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0. If your soil measures above 7.0, you will need to amend with peat moss. For a soil pH below 5.5, amend with lime.
2. Break up the soil with a pitchfork, and add the required amendment. Read the product labels to determine allocation amounts and application methods. Add a 3-inch layer of compost to the soil for increased nourishment.
3. Dig a 6-inch-deep hole for the star-of-Bethlehem bulb. Plant in the fall for spring blooms or in the spring for summer blooms. Place the star-of-Bethlehem bulb in the hole and back fill. Gently pat the soil over the bulb to remove any air pockets.
4. Apply a 3-inch layer of straw or bark chip mulch to bulbs planted in the fall. The mulch will protect the bulbs during the winter frost.
5. Water the bulbs with a soaker hose, providing at least an inch of water per week. Watering is also necessary throughout the growing season. Keep the soil moist at all times, especially during times of drought.
6. Harvest the star-of-Bethlehem bulbs after they die back. The leaves of the plant will eventually begin to turn brown, signifying that the bulbs are storing energy for the next bloom. Dig up the bulbs when the leaves finally wither. Allow the bulbs to dry out on a paper towel in the sun for a week. Store the dried bulbs in a paper bag for the next planting season.
Tips Warnings
Fertilize the star-of-Bethlehem throughout the growing season. Apply a water-soluble fertilizer according to label instructions.
The star-of-Bethlehem plant has very little trouble with pests or disease. This is a good thing, because the waxy leaves are resistant to most herbicides and fungicides. Remove pests that do invade the plant by hand.
If you will be planting more than one star-of-Bethlehem bulb, dig the holes approximately 6 inches apart.
Do not plant the star-of-Bethlehem in an area within the reach of small children or pets. The leaves are toxic.
Tags: plant, soil with, star-of-Bethlehem bulb, 3-inch layer, amend with, bulbs paper, from bulbs, growing season, spring summer, throughout growing, throughout growing season
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