About Maltese Cross: This plant originally comes from parts of Russia and northern Asia; according to tradition, it first arrived in Europe with the Crusaders returning from the Middle East. This soon became a popular garden plant, and can be found in the list of plants that Thomas Jefferson planted in his experimental gardens at Monticello. The Royal Horticultural Society later gave it the Award of Garden Merit.The common name comes from the shape of the flowers, which resemble the pointed star shape known as a Maltese Cross.
Maltese Cross Germination: Direct sow in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked; press lightly into the surface of the soil, since this seed needs light to germinate. Keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which usually takes 2-3 weeks. To start indoors, plant the seed in germination flats 6-8 weeks before the last frost of spring. Keep the soil moist, and transplant the seedlings as soon as they can safely be handled.
Growing Maltese Cross Seeds: Keep the plants well watered and remove weeds. This plant needs consistent moisture, though it does not grow well in soggy soil. For more blooms, cut back by one third after the first blooms have finished. These long-lived plants can spread in favorable growing conditions, and mature plants can be divided in spring or fall. These blossoms attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Harvesting Maltese Cross: For cut flowers, choose stems with flowers that have just opened. Strip the foliage that will fall below the water level, and place in water immediately.
Saving Maltese Cross Seeds: After the flowers fade, clusters of papery pods will form that eventually open at the top and release their seed. Gather the ripe seed as soon as the pods open to prevent loss. Store the seed in a cool, dry place.
Detailed Maltese Cross Info: Origin: Introduced US Wildflower Other Common Names: Jerusalem Cross, Flower of Bristol, Nonesuch, Londonís Pride Duration: Perennial Bloom Time: Summer Height: 24-36 inches Spacing: 15-18 inches Light: Full Sun Soil Moisture: Dry USDA Zone: 4a-10b Seeds Per Oz: 62,000 Produces an upright plant with blade-shaped leaves and large clusters of scarlet-orange flowers.