RED CROWN IMPERAIL Fritillaria imperialis

Fritillaria imperialis grows to about 1 m (3 ft) in height, and bears lance-shaped, glossy leaves at intervals along the stem. It bears a prominent whorl of downward facing flowers at the top of the stem, topped by a 'crown' of small leaves, hence the name. These seeds are for the red flowers. The pendulous flowers make a bold statement in the late spring garden; in the northern hemisphere, flowering takes place in late spring.

Type: Hardy perennial

Hardiness zones: 4-8

Height: 2 feet, 60 cm

Location: Sun or part

Deer resistant: Yes

Note: This plant family is known to have toxicity. The ingestion of these seeds or this plant can cause serious illness or death.

Seeds per pack: 2

Germination: As with many perennial seeds, these seeds require a period of moist cold to help them begin to grow. This is done by giving them a cold 'winter' period (artificial or natural), and then a warming to simulate 'spring', and time to grow! Here's how this can be done:

Obtain a planting container that has holes in the bottom for excess water to drain. Place the seeds just under the surface of your growing medium, and water. Place your container in a cold area (but not freezing, perhaps a refrigerator) for 4-6 weeks. Once the cold period is completed, place the container at room temperature for them to germinate. Be sure to keep the soil moist during this entire germination period. Seedlings will sprout a few weeks after the warming period.

If you are planting your seeds in late winter or spring, these seeds can be planted outdoors while it is still cool out (once the ground is workable and unfrozen), to receive the cold period naturally in the garden.