Campanula medium
Origin: Southern Europe
Improvement status: Breeding population
Seeds per packet: ~125
Germination tested 10/2025: 95%
Life cycle: Annual or Biennial
We're excited to be offering these lovely (and edible!) flowers from growers Ann Nguyen and Noel Ruiz of Homestead Culture in southern Oregon. Bellflower is aptly named for its bountiful bell-shaped blooms. Some have a second layer of petals that make them look like a cup and a saucer.
Here's Ann on her love for these charming flowers: "I was turned on to bellflowers by a flower farmer, but at first I was resistant the idea of growing a flower that can’t be dried and isn’t perennial. I later got the seeds by happenstance at a local garden. I didn’t even know what the flowers looked like, but was impressed by the balloon shaped seed pods and the plant’s vigorous stature (standing as tall as me). I sowed a few seeds in flats, then transplanted them to a dry spot at the edge of our garden and forgot about them. In the following spring, tall plants appeared followed by masses of bell-shaped blooms in purple, lavender, rose, and white. Some were double, some single. They were so striking and had such a long vase life, I was sold on bellflowers, and continued to cultivate them ever since... This mix continues to surprise me with different colors. The first plants were mostly purple and now some appear in a charming periwinkle blue, white, and light pink. Most are single flowers. They bloom in late June/July until September. With ideal growing conditions, bellflowers produce multiple side branches, ideal for cut flower growing."
Bumblebees love bellflowers, and you can often find them using the flowers for overnight sleeping quarters!
GROWING TIPS: Campanula seeds benefit from 30-60+ days cold-moist stratification. Sow seeds in flats during the fall, winter (indoor), or early spring. Do not cover, as light is required for germination. Seeds are incredibly small. Bottom water or mist lightly to avoid covering seeds. Transplant in the fall or spring, 1 to 2 feet apart. These are are biennial plants, flowering in the second year. They can overwinter outdoor in Zone 6 and above. They perform better during the cooler months so it’s best to get them going early in the season. If given adequate space and fertility, campanula will produce many long, sturdy stems of flowers from June through September.
Bellflowers have fine hairs all over, similar to Rudbeckia, which protect them from deer browse. They can be planted unprotected and encouraged to self sow in areas with moderate sun and good soil.
