Scilla sicula, Oncostema sicula, Għansal ikħal. Sicilian Squill. VERY RARE geophyte from Malta! 10 seeds

Scilla sicula, commonly known as the Sicilian Squill, is a charming bulbous perennial native to Malta, Gozo and some parts of Sicily and known for its striking pale blue flowers.

Scilla sicula is characterized by its stunning, bell-shaped flowers that bloom in clusters atop slender stems. The flowers typically feature a lovely pale blue to violet hue, often with intricate markings. The flowering period typically occurs in the spring, creating beautiful displays in gardens.
The foliage consists of narrow, strap-like leaves that emerge from the base of the plant. The leaves are usually green and can add a lush appearance even when the plant is not in bloom.
This species generally grows to a height of about 30 to 50 cm (12 to 20 inches), making it a lovely addition to borders or rock gardens.
Habitat Scilla sicula thrives in well-drained soils and prefers full sun to partial shade, making it suitable for various garden settings.
It is relatively low maintenance and can naturalize well in suitable environments, adding to the beauty of your garden year after year.

Germination from seeds
Germinating seeds of Scilla sicula can be a rewarding process. Here’s how to do it:

If you’re collecting seeds, wait until the seed pods are dry and brown but not yet split open. At this point, carefully collect the seeds.

Scilla sicula seeds benefit from a period of cold stratification to enhance germination rates. Place the seeds in a damp paper towel, then seal them in a plastic bag and refrigerate for about 4 to 6 weeks. This step is not essential and seeds can be sown in Autumn when the day temperature drops to +20°C and the difference between day and night temperature is about 10°C.

After stratification, you can plant the seeds in well-draining soil, either in pots or directly in the garden. If using pots, fill them with a seed-starting mix and moisten the soil before sowing.

Sow the seeds at a depth of about 1 cm (0.4 inches) and lightly cover them with soil. Water gently to ensure good soil contact.

Place the pots in a warm location with indirect sunlight. Ideally, the soil temperature should be around 15-20°C (59-68°F) for optimal germination.

Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Overwatering can lead to rot, so ensure proper drainage.

Seeds generally take a few weeks to several months to germinate, so patience is key!

Once seedlings have developed a couple of true leaves and are sturdy enough to handle, you can transplant them into the garden or larger pots.

Tips:
- Consider planting in groups for a more dramatic display.
- Once established, Scilla sicula is quite resilient and can thrive with minimal care.

Happy gardening, and may your Scilla sicula bring delightful blooms to your space! 🌷💙