FAMILY CAMPANULACEAE
Until quite recently Campanula isophylla, commonly known as Star of Bethlehem, was always propagated by cuttings, when grown by amateur gardeners, but a new variety called 'KristaP is now available which can be grown from seed. Campanula isophylla has a trailing habit, and unless it is being grown in a hanging basket it needs support.
Sow seed in early spring, heat 60 - 65 ° F (15 - 18°C), in soilless compost and keep covered by glass or in a polythene bag until seedlings begin to appear, then expose to full light but not sunshine. Prick out into 2-in (5-cm) pots as soon as the seedlings are large enough to handle. When the plants are ready to be potted on, use a 4'/2-in (11-cm) pot, potting two or three plants to each pot, in compost E6 or equivalent. As the plants grow, give them any support which may be necessary to give the effect you desire. There are many different types of support available.
Campanula isophylla is a cool-house plant and enjoys outside conditions in the summer more than the conditions in a greenhouse or a house; therefore it should be put in the coolest place available in the house which is compatible with its light requirements (bright light shaded from direct sunlight). Do not allow the compost to dry out, but on the other hand do not overwater. Ideal temperatures are 60 - 65 ° F ( 15 - 18 ° C ) during the summer, and 40 - 45 ° F ( 5 - 7 ° C ) during the winter when the plants are resting, keeping the compost on the dry side, not too moist and not too dry.
Plants can be grown on year after year and new plants can easily be raised from cuttings, which should be taken when the plants have made some newgrowth in the spring. Take tip cuttings, 2 in (5 cm) long, with three or four pairs of leaves, the stem being cut below a node. Remove the lowest pair of leaves, dip the stem in a hormone rooting powder and insert about '/2 in (13 mm) deep into the cutting compost. Keep the cuttings enclosed until some new growth is observed, when they can be left uncovered until they are ready to be potted.
