Sow Indoors or Outdoors:
Bleeding Heart is recommended to begin indoors 12 – 14 weeks prior to the frost because dicentra seeds are perennials that require 56 – 70 days to germinate with full lighting. Once sprouted, seedlings will require a shaded spot in the garden or indoors. Plants may reseed if grown in optimal shaded gardens.
Days to Maturity: 2nd Year Maturity
Hardiness Zone: 3 – 9
Planting Depth: Plant 4 – 6 seeds ½” deep
Plant Spacing: 24”
Growth Habit: 24 – 36” tall leafy upright with an 18 – 30” spread of dangling “heart-shaped” blooms
Soil Preference: Organically rich, medium moist, well-drained
Light Preference: Partial Shade – Full Shade
Diseases/Pests/Troubleshooting:
Bleeding Heart is a rare full-shade performer intolerant to dry soils in the summer and moist soils in the winter. Leaves will go dormant in summer and best grown alongside ferns and other late perennials. Dicentra has no serious pests or diseases but monitor for aphids, as some indoor plants are susceptible to infestations.
Color: Delicate pink and white “hearts” stemmed in rich greens