How to plant Bessera

Bessera (or Coral Drops) are tender perennials and must be kept away from frost, they require mild to warm conditions to sprout. They are best started off in a greenhouse in the spring and protected from freezing winter conditions.

— Pot up in individual 9cm pots or cell trays between March and May and grow them on indoors or in a greenhouse. They can be transplanted outside from May onwards. Alternatively, you can plant them directly into patio containers and grow on in a greenhouse in spring, or you can plant them straight outside in May.

— Plant the bulbs around 5-10cm deep with the pointed side facing upwards.

— Space the bulbs around 10-15cm apart in borders, or closer together (5-8cm) in patio pots.

— When planting outdoors, choose a sheltered position in full sun with free-draining soil.

— If planting in patio containers, use a free-draining compost such as multipurpose.

— Water-in after planting and continue to water regularly when in growth.

— Allow the soil to become almost dry between watering. Don’t allow dormant bulbs to sit in wet and cold soil.

— Bessera flower in late summer, cut the flower stems to 3cm above ground level in autumn. Move containers with Bessera into a frost-free location for winter. Bulbs planted in borders should be lifted and stored in a cool but frost-free place until the following spring.

Planting instructions