Heuchera sanguinea (Coral Bells)

Perennial | Shade-Tolerant | Pollinator-Friendly

Seed Treatment:

  • Soak seeds in room-temperature water for 12–24 hours
  • Cold stratify for 2 weeks in the fridge. Place seeds on a moist paper towel in a zip-lock bag. If seedlings emerge during stratification, remove and plant immediately.

Best Time to Sow:
Indoors: 6–8 weeks before last frost
Outdoors: Late spring or early autumn when soil is cool but not frozen

Optimum Temperature for Germination:
68–72 °F (20–22 °C) – avoid fluctuations, especially cold night temps

Germination Time:
14–30 days (after stratification)

How to Sow:
• Requires light to germinate – surface sow and press lightly into moist soil
• Use grow lights to maintain 12–16 hours of light per day.

• Do not cover with soil or vermiculite
• Use a fine mist to water gently
• Cover with humidity dome or plastic wrap until germination
Humidity: Use a humidity dome or clear cover to maintain consistent moisture during germination. Open the dome BRIEFLY once per day to allow fresh air in and reduce mold risk. Remove the dome entirely once seedlings emerge.

Watering:
• Keep soil consistently moist, never soggy
• Mist daily or bottom-water to avoid displacing seeds

Light Requirements:
• Bright, indirect light indoors
• Partial shade to full shade outdoors

Post-Germination Care:
• Remove cover as soon as seedlings appear
• Thin to strongest seedlings once they have true leaves
• Harden off indoor-grown plants gradually before transplanting

Growing Tips:
• Prefers moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter
• Tolerates heat and humidity once established
• Mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weeds
• Flowers attract hummingbirds and beneficial insects
• Remove faded blooms to prolong flowering
• Excellent for borders, woodland gardens, and containers