Convallaria - Lilly of the Valey (5 seeds per packet) - winter

If planning to grow Convallaria outdoors from seed then it should be sown out at the end of winter. The seeds should be sown in flats, covered in compost, and have a layer of glass for protection. If you are growing Lilies of the valley from rhizomes then they should be buried at a depth of 5 to 8 cm.

Germination can take from two months up to one year. Once seedlings have appeared they should be transplanted into individual pots. Once the Convallaria plant appears to be strong they should be moved to a dedicated nursery bed for two years. After this time the perennial can be moved to its final location. This should be a partially shaded part of the garden (Lily of the Valley will grow in full shade, but will not produce abundant flowers) with good drainage.

The plants should be spaced about 12cm apart into an organic soil that is both moist and rich. Once established further plants can be had by division in the autumn. Lily of the valley plants require a lot of watering and should be fertilized at the beginning of spring (do not splash fertilizer onto the leaves). In the autumn a top dressing with leaf mold will help to protect the plant. The plant should be divided every five years to maintain vigorous growth.