1,000 Seeds

Grow Maltese Cross from fresh Lychnis chalcedonica wildflower seeds. Maltese Cross produces clusters of small, red, cross shaped flowers. The plants themselves grow to a mature height of about 24 to 36 inches tall. Each bloom will open up to roughly a half inch to an inch in diameter, while each cluster of flowers contains anywhere from 10 to 50 blooms.

The Maltese Cross wildflower is grown as a perennial flowering plant. It will establish a deep root system, later dying and returning the following year from those roots. The flowers will continually bloom through the summer months. You can prolong blooming by dead heading wilted flower heads. Maltese Cross is a pretty drought tolerant flower that can be used in a number of settings.Plant them in flower beds, as a background plant, along driveways, walkways and fences, or in an open field.

If you are located in a dry climate, you might also be interested in our Dryland Wildflower Mixture as well. It contains a number of drought resistant wildflowers.

Quick Facts

• Type: Flower
• Color: Red
• Height: 24" to 36" Tall
• Width: 12" to 14" Spread
• Season: Perennial
• Zones: 4 to 10
• Environment: Full Sun / Partial Shade

Sowing The Seed

Maltese Cross wildflower seeds are best established directly outdoors when the weather is warm and all danger of frost has passed. Start by clearing your sowing area of all unwanted plant life. Turn the soil or replace it with new soil. Scatter the tiny seeds directly to the surface of the soil as they will require light to germinate. (Check "Germination & Growth" for additional spacing and growth habits)

Growing Conditions

Maltese Cross will enjoy an area of full sunlight to partial shade for the majority of the day. Temperatures should be kept at 68F or above for optimal growth. Although they are not too picky on soil conditions, they do prefer a well drained area. Adding a light compost to any area containing hard, compact soil will improve drainage. Water daily until germination occurs, later watering only when necessary.

Germination & Growth

Your seeds will begin to germinate within roughly 7 to 10 days after sowing, but can take up to 21 days. The plants will reach a mature height of about 24 to 36 inches tall and can be spaced 12 to 18 inches apart from one another. Once established, Maltese Cross plants will produce beautiful clusters of small red flowers. The blooms span a half inch to an inch in diameter and will form in groups of 10 to 50 per stem.