Cottage Garden Flower Seeds

Dwarf Hollyhock ‘Queeny’ Purple – Seeds

(Althaea rosea) – Perennial, often grown as biennial

The Dwarf Hollyhock ‘Queeny’ Purple is a compact variety of the traditional cottage garden favorite. Unlike tall hollyhocks, this dwarf strain grows to a manageable height, making it suitable even for smaller gardens, pots, or the front of borders. It produces large, ruffled, purple blooms that flower generously from summer into autumn, creating a bold and dramatic display.

Key Features

• Type: Hardy perennial (often grown as biennial)

• Height: 60–80 cm

• Spread: 40 cm

• Flowers: Large, rich purple, semi-double to double blooms

• Blooming period: June–September

• Position: Full sun

• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil

Ideal For

• Cottage gardens

• Mixed borders

• Container planting

• Pollinator-friendly gardens (attracts bees & butterflies)

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: February–April in trays with seed compost, lightly cover with soil

• Germination: 14–21 days at 18–22°C

• Transplant: When large enough, harden off and plant outdoors after frost

• Direct sowing: April–May in flowering position

• Care: Water well in dry weather and remove faded flowers to encourage longer blooming

Sweet Pea 'Neille Viner' – Seeds

(Lathyrus odoratus)

Sweet Pea 'Neille Viner' is a classic climbing annual admired for its soft, delicate pink blooms and strong, sweet fragrance. Its long stems are perfect for cutting, while its vigorous climbing habit creates a stunning display on trellises, fences, or arches. Ideal for adding colour and scent to summer gardens, this variety is a favorite among gardeners and florists alike.

Key Features

• Type: Hardy annual

• Height: 180–240 cm (climber)

• Flowering: June–September

• Position: Full sun

• Soil: Fertile, well-drained

• Uses: Trellises, fences, arches, cut flowers

Ideal For

• Vertical garden displays

• Cut flower arrangements

• Cottage-style gardens

• Fragrant garden corners

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: January–April in pots or trays

• Sow outdoors: April–May directly in soil

• Germination: 10–20 days at 15–20°C

• Plant out after last frost, spacing 20–30 cm

• Provide climbing support

• Regular deadheading encourages more blooms

Scarlet Flax – Seeds (Linum grandiflorum)

Scarlet Flax (Linum grandiflorum) is an elegant annual producing vibrant scarlet-red flowers on slender, graceful stems. Blooming from early summer to autumn, this low-maintenance plant adds striking color and delicate texture to borders, cottage gardens, and wildflower mixes. Easy to grow and drought-tolerant once established, Scarlet Flax attracts pollinators while providing long-lasting visual interest in sunny garden settings.

Why Grow "Scarlet Flax"

• Brilliant scarlet-red flowers on slender stems

• Long flowering season from early summer to autumn

• Easy-to-grow, low-maintenance annual

• Pollinator-friendly and drought-tolerant

Key Features

• Type: Annual (Linum grandiflorum)

• Height: 30–50 cm

• Flowering: Early summer to autumn

• Position: Full sun

• Uses: Borders, cottage gardens, wildflower mixes, pollinator gardens

Ideal For

• Adding bright color to borders and mixed beds

• Cottage and wildflower-style gardens

• Pollinator-friendly planting schemes

• Low-maintenance sunny garden spots

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: February–April in trays or pots

• Sow outdoors: April–May directly in soil

• Germination: 10–14 days at 18–22°C

• Thin seedlings 20–25 cm apart

• Prefers well-drained soil in full sun

• Water moderately until established

🌸 Ageratum mexicanum Floss Flower ‘Tall Red Flint’ – Tall Ageratum with Rich Red Fluffy Blooms

‘Tall Red Flint’ is a striking tall-growing floss flower (ageratum) variety producing dense clusters of soft, fluffy flowers in deep red to crimson tones. Held on strong, upright stems, the blooms create bold blocks of colour throughout summer and into early autumn. Unlike compact bedding ageratums, this variety offers extra height, making it ideal for borders, cutting gardens, mixed beds, and pollinator-friendly plantings.

Key Features

● Fluffy, pom-pom–like flowers in rich red shades
● Taller habit than standard ageratum varieties
● Long flowering season from summer to autumn
● Excellent for borders and cut flowers
● Easy to grow and very reliable

How to Sow & Grow Floss Flower ‘Tall Red Flint’ (UK)

Sow indoors: II–IV (February–April)
Transplant outdoors: V–VI (May–June) after last frost
Direct outdoors: Not recommended
Flowering: VI–IX (June–September)
Life cycle: Annual
Germination temperature: 20–22 °C (68–72 °F)
Average germ time: 7–14 days
Depth: Surface sow – do not cover; press gently into soil (requires light)
Light required: Yes
Moisture: Moderate
Environment: Full sun (tolerates light shade)
Soil type: Fertile, well-drained soil
Plant spacing: 25–30 cm (10–12 in)
Height: 50–70 cm (20–28 in)

Sowing & Growing Tips (variety-specific)

● Keep seedlings warm and well-lit during early growth.
● Pinch young plants to encourage bushier growth.
● Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering.
● Performs best in warm, sheltered positions.
● Excellent colour contrast in mixed borders.

Special Features

● Unusual tall form of floss flower
● Intense red colouring rare in ageratum
● Attractive to bees and other pollinators

Corn Marigold ‘Eastern Star’ Seeds (Chrysanthemum segetum)

Corn Marigold ‘Eastern Star’ is an annual wildflower that lights up gardens with vibrant golden-yellow blooms. Blooming from late spring through summer, it adds a cheerful splash of color to borders, wildflower meadows, and cottage gardens. Easy to grow and drought-tolerant, it attracts pollinators and brings a natural, meadow-like charm.

What Makes It Special

• Bright golden-yellow blooms all summer

• Hardy, easy-to-grow annual

• Attracts bees and butterflies

Key Features

• Botanical name: Chrysanthemum segetum

• Annual

• Height: 40–60 cm

• Bloom time: Late spring to summer

Ideal For

• Wildflower meadows and naturalized areas

• Borders and cottage gardens

• Pollinator-friendly plantings

Sowing

• Sow outdoors Mar–Jun

• Cover seeds lightly with soil

• Germination: 7–14 days at 15–20°C

• Thin seedlings 20–30 cm apart

• Flowers the same year

Corn Cockle – Seeds (Agrostemma githago)

Corn Cockle (Agrostemma githago) is a classic wildflower that brings simple charm to any garden. Its tall stems carry graceful, cup-shaped magenta-pink blooms that sway beautifully in the breeze. Once common in cornfields, this heritage flower is now treasured for wildflower meadows, cottage gardens, and naturalistic plantings. Easy to grow and loved by pollinators, it thrives in sunny, well-drained soil.

Why Grow "Corn Cockle"

• Bright magenta-pink wildflower blooms

• Tall, graceful stems for naturalistic planting

• Heritage flower once common in fields

• Attracts bees and pollinators

Key Features

• Type: Hardy annual (Agrostemma githago)

• Height: 60–90 cm

• Flowering: June–September

• Position: Full sun

• Uses: Wildflower meadows, borders, cut flowers

Ideal For

• Naturalistic and wildlife gardens

• Wildflower meadows and cottage planting

• Pollinator-friendly spaces

• Tall, airy accents in borders

Sowing & Growing

• Sow outdoors: March–May or August–September

• Sow direct into prepared soil, lightly cover

• Germination: 14–21 days

• Thin seedlings to 25–30 cm apart

• Prefers full sun and well-drained soil

Baby’s Breath Crimson – Romantic Red Blooms

Baby’s Breath Crimson produces vibrant crimson clusters on delicate, airy stems. Perfect for adding bold color to borders, cottage gardens, and floral arrangements, these elegant annuals create a stunning display.

What Makes It Special

• Rich crimson, airy flower clusters

• Long-lasting blooms

• Perfect for cut flowers and arrangements

• Adds vibrant color and elegance to any garden

Key Features

• Annual plant

• Grows 30–50 cm tall

• Blooms from early summer to autumn

• Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil

• Low-maintenance and hardy

Ideal For

• Garden borders and cottage gardens

• Floral arrangements and bouquets

• Rock gardens and pathways

• Pollinator-friendly gardens

Sowing

• Sow directly outdoors after last frost

• Plant seeds 0.3–0.5 cm deep

• Germination: 10–14 days at 18–22°C

• Space 20–25 cm apart

• Water moderately and provide full sun

Rudbeckia ‘Goldilocks’ – 300 Seeds (Rudbeckia hirta)

Rudbeckia ‘Goldilocks’ is a cheerful annual that produces abundant bright golden-yellow daisy-like flowers with dark centers. Compact and free-flowering, it is perfect for borders, cottage gardens, and pollinator-friendly plantings. Its long-lasting blooms attract bees and butterflies, bringing vibrant summer color and wildlife interest to any garden.

Why Grow Rudbeckia ‘Goldilocks’?

• Bright golden-yellow daisy-like blooms with dark centers

• Compact, bushy growth ideal for borders and containers

• Long-flowering, from summer into early autumn

• Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies

Key Features

• Type: Annual flower

• Height: 40–50 cm

• Spread: 30–40 cm

• Flowering: July–October

• Position: Full sun

• Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile

Ideal For

• Borders and flower beds

• Cottage and wildflower gardens

• Pollinator-friendly landscapes

• Containers and small gardens

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: March–April in trays or pots, lightly cover seeds

• Germination: 7–14 days at 18–20°C

• Transplant outdoors: After frost risk has passed, spacing 30 cm apart

• Direct sow outdoors: April–May

• Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming

Nemophila ‘Baby Blue Eyes’ – Seeds (Nemophila menziesii insignis)

The Nemophila ‘Baby Blue Eyes’ is an annual favorite producing a carpet of delicate sky-blue, cup-shaped flowers with white centers. Its compact, spreading habit makes it perfect for borders, rock gardens, and containers, creating a soft, charming display in spring and early summer.

What Makes It Special

• Stunning sky-blue flowers with white centers

• Compact, spreading growth habit ideal for mass planting

• Long-lasting spring display with continuous flowering

• Attracts pollinators and adds charm to any garden

Key Features

• Botanical name: Nemophila menziesii insignis

• Variety: ‘Baby Blue Eyes’

• Seed count: Approx. seeds per pack

• Height/Spread: 15–25 cm tall, spreading 20–30 cm

• Position: Full sun to partial shade; well-drained soil

• Flowering period: Spring to early summer

Ideal For

• Borders and edging

• Rock gardens and cottage gardens

• Containers and patio pots

• Pollinator-friendly planting

Sowing Instructions

1. When to sow: February–May outdoors or March–April indoors

2. How to sow:

   • Sow seeds thinly on prepared soil

   • Cover lightly with soil

   • Germination: 10–14 days

3. After germination:

   • Thin seedlings to 15–20 cm apart

   • Keep soil moist but not waterlogged