How to Grow Nolana 'Little Bells'
Nolana 'Little Bells'
Nolana paradoxa 'Little Bells'
flowerNolana 'Little Bells' is a tender annual ornamental known for its delicate, bell-shaped flowers in shades of blue, purple, and white. This low-growing, spreading plant is perfect for containers, hanging baskets, and garden borders, blooming prolifically throughout warm months.
When should you plant Nolana 'Little Bells' in your zone?
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Example Nolana 'Little Bells' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Nolana 'Little Bells'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Nolana 'Little Bells' blooms
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives as annual in zones 3-11; perennial in zones 9-11
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Seedling
10-14 daysTiny seedlings with cotyledons and first true leaves emerging
Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging. Provide bright light. Keep at 65-75°F for best germination.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksLow-growing plant with multiple stems branching and spreading, developing small narrow leaves
Thin seedlings to proper spacing. Pinch growing tips early to encourage bushiness. Maintain full sun exposure.
Flowering
8-12 weeksPlant covered with small bell-shaped flowers in blue, purple, white, or bicolor combinations
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming. Provide consistent moisture during peak bloom. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced fertilizer.
Peak Production
4-8 weeksPlant at maximum flowering capacity with dense flower coverage throughout the trailing/mounding form
Maintain regular watering schedule. Continue deadheading. Watch for spider mites in hot conditions. Feed biweekly.
End of Season
Variable, until frostFlowering decreases as temperatures cool or plant becomes leggy; some varieties may reseed
Allow some flowers to set seed if self-seeding is desired. Remove plant after first frost in cold climates.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity by misting; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; remove heavily infested leaves; maintain plant vigor with proper watering
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; ensure good air circulation; remove infested leaves
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap; apply neem oil; encourage beneficial insects
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and
Remove by hand in early morning; use copper barriers; apply diatomaceous earth around plant base
Uses
Container and hanging basket gardening
HouseholdNolana 'Little Bells' is ideal for containers, window boxes, hanging baskets, and vertical gardens due to its spreading, trailing habit and low-growing mound shape. A single plant can fill a 10-12 inch container. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeSmall bell-shaped flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators to gardens and containers. The prolific blooming provides nectar and pollen throughout the growing season. [source]
Garden border and edging
CraftThe compact, mounding growth habit and abundant flowers make this variety perfect for edging garden beds, creating informal borders, and cascading over container edges. [source]
Cut flower arrangements
HouseholdSmall sprigs of blooming stems can be used in floral arrangements and corsages, though the flowers are delicate and short-lived once cut. [source]
Edible flowers
CulinaryNolana flowers are technically edible with a mild, slightly sweet flavor and can be used as garnish for salads and desserts, though this is not their primary use. [source]
Harvest Tips
Nolana 'Little Bells' is an ornamental flower, not harvested for food. Deadhead flowers regularly to extend blooming season by removing spent blooms at the base of the flower stem. Pinch seed pods if continuous flowering is desired rather than seed production.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Nolana 'Little Bells' is native to the Andes Mountains of South America and was first cultivated by the Incas, who used various Nolana species for food and medicinal purposes.
- 🌱 The flowers open in bright sunlight and close at night or during cloudy weather, a behavior called nyctinasty, which is common to many plants in the Solanaceae family.
- 🌱 Despite its delicate appearance, Nolana 'Little Bells' is remarkably drought-tolerant once established, making it excellent for water-wise gardening in containers.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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