{"product_id":"maltese-cross","title":"Maltese Cross","description":"\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"950\" data-start=\"456\"\u003eMaltese Cross is a resilient and eye-catching perennial known for its vivid red flower clusters and strong upright growth. A reliable choice for low-maintenance flower gardens, this plant reaches up to 90cm tall and produces long-lasting blooms perfect for cutting. Once established, it self-seeds easily and thrives in a range of conditions, including dry soil. A favourite for attracting pollinators, its flowers are a magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1155\" data-start=\"952\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"989\" data-start=\"952\"\u003eWhere Can You Grow Maltese Cross?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"992\" data-start=\"989\"\u003eThrives in Zones 3–9. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil but tolerates partial shade. Grows well in cottage gardens, perennial borders, and wildflower meadows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1492\" data-start=\"1157\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1188\" data-start=\"1157\"\u003eHistory and Historical Uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1191\" data-start=\"1188\"\u003eOriginally from Eastern Europe and parts of Asia, Maltese Cross (also known as Jerusalem Cross or Burning Love) has long been cultivated for its ornamental value. It has earned a place in both historical cottage gardens and modern pollinator landscapes, admired for its bright blooms and hardy nature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1743\" data-start=\"1494\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1523\" data-start=\"1494\"\u003eCanadian Zone Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1526\" data-start=\"1523\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1540\" data-start=\"1526\"\u003eZones 8-9:\u003c\/strong\u003e Direct sow in autumn or early spring.\u003cbr data-end=\"1581\" data-start=\"1578\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1595\" data-start=\"1581\"\u003eZones 5-7:\u003c\/strong\u003e Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost or direct sow after frost.\u003cbr data-end=\"1667\" data-start=\"1664\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1681\" data-start=\"1667\"\u003eZones 3-4:\u003c\/strong\u003e Start indoors and transplant once danger of frost has passed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1743\" data-start=\"1494\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0570\/7841\/5473\/files\/Plant_Hardiness.png?v=1734491528\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2148\" data-start=\"1745\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1786\" data-start=\"1745\"\u003eHow to Grow and Harvest Maltese Cross\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2148\" data-start=\"1745\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1802\" data-start=\"1789\"\u003ePlanting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow seeds 3mm (1\/8in) deep in prepared soil or trays; space 30-45cm (12-18in) apart.\u003cbr data-end=\"1890\" data-start=\"1887\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1903\" data-start=\"1890\"\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep moist during establishment; drought-tolerant once mature.\u003cbr data-end=\"1969\" data-start=\"1966\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1985\" data-start=\"1969\"\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deadhead spent blooms to encourage longer flowering.\u003cbr data-end=\"2041\" data-start=\"2038\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2056\" data-start=\"2041\"\u003eHarvesting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cut stems early in the day for cut flower use; remove lower leaves before placing in water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2499\" data-start=\"2150\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2188\" data-start=\"2150\"\u003eSeed Saving Tips for Future Supply\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2499\" data-start=\"2150\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2214\" data-start=\"2191\"\u003eLet Flowers Mature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Allow seed heads to fully dry on the plant.\u003cbr data-end=\"2261\" data-start=\"2258\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2279\" data-start=\"2261\"\u003eCollect Seeds:\u003c\/strong\u003e Snip dried heads and shake or rub out seeds.\u003cbr data-end=\"2327\" data-start=\"2324\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2345\" data-start=\"2327\"\u003eDry and Clean:\u003c\/strong\u003e Spread seeds to dry further; remove chaff.\u003cbr data-end=\"2391\" data-start=\"2388\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2401\" data-start=\"2391\"\u003eStore:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep in a cool, dry place in a labelled paper envelope or jar. Seeds remain viable for 3–4 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2580\" data-start=\"2501\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2525\" data-start=\"2501\"\u003eCertified Organic By\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"2528\" data-start=\"2525\"\u003e\u003cem data-end=\"2580\" data-start=\"2528\"\u003eIslands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Metchosin Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48811183046898,"sku":"MF-FLOWER-027","price":4.76,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0698\/4106\/0082\/files\/Maltese-Cross-scaled_bb77c646-6d3a-40f6-8e8d-51d466ac9322.jpg?v=1772481893","url":"https:\/\/homeandwell.ca\/products\/maltese-cross","provider":"Home \u0026 Well ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}