Cottage Garden Flower Seeds

Black Peony Poppy – Seeds (Papaver paeoniflorum)

Black Peony Poppy (Papaver paeoniflorum) is a striking annual known for its large, double-layered deep black blooms. Its dramatic flowers create a bold statement in borders, cottage gardens, and cutting gardens. Easy to grow and long-flowering, this poppy adds a unique, elegant touch while attracting pollinators to your garden.

Why Grow "Black Peony Poppy"

• Large, double deep black blooms

• Long flowering period from late spring to early summer

• Adds a dramatic, elegant accent to gardens

• Attracts bees and butterflies

Key Features

• Type: Annual (Papaver paeoniflorum)

• Height: 50–70 cm

• Flowering: May–July

• Position: Full sun

• Uses: Borders, cottage gardens, cutting gardens, pollinator-friendly planting

Ideal For

• Dramatic focal points in borders and beds

• Cottage-style and romantic gardens

• Cutting gardens for unique bouquets

• Pollinator-friendly gardens

Sowing & Growing

• Sow outdoors: March–May directly in prepared soil

• Germination: 10–20 days at 15–20°C

• Thin seedlings to 20–30 cm apart

• Prefers full sun and well-drained soil

• Deadhead to prolong flowering

Sweet Scabious Dwarf Double Mix – Seeds

(Scabiosa atropurpurea)

Sweet Scabious Dwarf Double Mix produces compact, bushy plants adorned with fully double, colourful blooms in shades of pink, lavender, and cream. Long-flowering and easy to grow, these dwarf scabious plants are perfect for borders, rockeries, and container displays. They attract butterflies and bees, making them a pollinator-friendly garden choice.

Why Grow Sweet Scabious Dwarf Double Mix?

• Fully double, colourful flowers in pink, lavender, and cream

• Compact and long-flowering

• Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies

• Ideal for borders, rockeries, and containers

Key Features

• Type: Annual / short-lived perennial

• Height: 25–35 cm

• Flowers: Summer to early autumn

• Position: Full sun

• Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile

Ideal For

• Cottage and mixed borders

• Rockeries and containers

• Pollinator-friendly gardens

• Low-maintenance ornamental planting

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: February–April in seed trays

• Sow outdoors: April–May directly in prepared soil

• Germination: 10–20 days at 18–20°C

• Thin seedlings to 20–25 cm apart

• Care: Water moderately; deadhead to prolong flowering

Rudbeckia 'Autumn Forest' – Seeds (Rudbeckia hirta)

Rudbeckia 'Autumn Forest' is a striking variety of Black-Eyed Susan with warm, fiery shades of red, bronze, orange, and golden yellow – like the colors of a glowing autumn woodland. Its daisy-like flowers with dark centers bloom generously over summer and early autumn, creating a bold display that attracts bees and butterflies.

What Makes It Special

• Brilliant mix of autumn-toned blooms

• Long flowering season with continuous color

• Pollinator-friendly, attracting bees and butterflies

• Excellent for cutting, borders, and containers

Key Features

• Botanical name: Rudbeckia hirta

• Common name: Black-Eyed Susan

• Seed count: Approx. seeds per pack

• Height/Spread: 45–60 cm tall, bushy habit

• Position: Full sun; fertile, well-drained soil

• Flowering period: June–October

Ideal For

• Cottage gardens and wildlife-friendly borders

• Pollinator-friendly plantings

• Container displays

• Cut flower arrangements

Sowing Instructions

1. When to sow: February–April indoors; April–June outdoors

2. How to sow:

   • Sow thinly on the surface of moist compost, press lightly, and cover very lightly with fine compost or vermiculite

   • Maintain 18–22°C; germination takes 7–21 days

3. Transplanting: Prick out seedlings when large enough; plant outdoors after frost

4. Care: Deadhead spent blooms to extend flowering. Water well in dry spells.

Poppy Double ‘Violet Blush’ – 500 Seeds (Papaver somniferum)

Poppy Double ‘Violet Blush’ (Papaver somniferum) is an elegant annual producing large, double-layered blooms in soft violet-pink shades. Its luxurious, ruffled petals create a stunning display in borders, cottage gardens, and cutting gardens. Easy to grow and long-flowering, it attracts pollinators while adding romantic color to your garden.

Why Grow "Violet Blush"

• Large, double ruffled flowers in soft violet-pink

• Long-lasting blooms from late spring to early summer

• Adds a romantic, cottage-garden look

• Attracts bees and butterflies

Key Features

• Type: Annual (Papaver somniferum)

• Height: 60–90 cm

• Flowering: May–July

• Position: Full sun

• Uses: Borders, cottage gardens, cutting gardens, pollinator-friendly plantings

Ideal For

• Romantic and cottage-style gardens

• Flower borders and beds

• Cutting gardens for bouquets

• Pollinator-friendly planting

Sowing & Growing

• Sow outdoors: March–May directly in prepared soil

• Germination: 10–20 days at 15–20°C

• Thin seedlings to 20–30 cm apart

• Prefers full sun and well-drained soil

• Deadhead to prolong flowering

Blue Globe Thistle Seeds (Echinops ritro)

The Blue Globe Thistle is a striking perennial featuring spiky, metallic-blue globe-shaped flowers atop silvery-green foliage. Its architectural form adds drama to borders, cottage gardens, and wildflower plantings, while also serving as an excellent cut or dried flower. Hardy and drought-tolerant, it attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

What Makes It Special

• Unique metallic-blue, spherical flower heads

• Hardy, drought-tolerant, and long-lasting perennial

• Excellent for fresh or dried flower arrangements

Key Features

• Botanical name: Echinops ritro

• Hardy perennial

• Height: 60–90 cm (24–36 in)

• Bloom time: Mid to late summer

Ideal For

• Architectural accents in borders and cottage gardens

• Wildflower and pollinator-friendly plantings

• Fresh and dried cut flower arrangements

Sowing

• Sow indoors Feb–Apr or outdoors May–Jun

• Mix seeds with moist compost and refrigerate 2–4 weeks for stratification

• Germination: 14–35 days at 18–22°C after cold treatment

• Thin seedlings 40 cm apart

• Flowers from the second year after sowing

Sweet William Flower Mix ‘Herald of Spring’ Seeds (Dianthus barbatus) – 700 Seeds

Celebrate spring with Sweet William Flower Mix ‘Herald of Spring’ (Dianthus barbatus). This vibrant annual mix produces clusters of fragrant, brightly colored blooms in shades of pink, red, and white. Perfect for borders, cottage gardens, and cutting gardens, it’s easy to grow, long-flowering, and attracts pollinators for a lively garden display.

How to Grow

• Sow directly outdoors in spring after the last frost or indoors 6–8 weeks earlier.

• Use well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.

• Scatter seeds thinly and cover lightly with soil.

• Keep soil moist until germination (10–14 days).

• Thin seedlings to 20–30 cm apart for healthy growth.

• Deadhead regularly to encourage continuous flowering.

Key Features

• Clusters of fragrant blooms in pink, red, and white shades

• Hardy, easy-to-grow annual or biennial depending on climate

• Long-flowering and attractive to pollinators

• Ideal for borders, cottage gardens, and cutting gardens

• Compact growth habit perfect for edging and containers

Ideal For

• Flower beds, borders, and cottage gardens

• Cutting gardens for fresh bouquets

• Pollinator-friendly plantings

• Containers and patio planters

Sowing

• Best time: Spring outdoors or 6–8 weeks earlier indoors

• Germination: 10–14 days

• Sow thinly, cover lightly, and keep soil moist

• Prefers full sun and well-drained soil

Quick Tip

• For a prolonged display, sow successive batches every 2–3 weeks during spring.

Rocket Larkspur Mix – Seeds (Delphinium consolida)

The Rocket Larkspur Mix is a tall, elegant annual producing spires of delicate flowers in shades of pink, purple, lavender, and white. Perfect for cottage gardens, borders, and cutting gardens, these plants bring vertical interest and charm while also providing excellent flowers for fresh or dried arrangements.

What Makes It Special

• Tall, graceful flower spikes with a mix of soft, vibrant colors

• Long-lasting blooms suitable for cutting

• Cottage garden favorite with classic charm

• Attracts pollinators and adds vertical interest

Key Features

• Botanical name: Delphinium consolida

• Variety: Rocket Larkspur Mix

• Seed count: Approx. 300 seeds per pack

• Height/Spread: 75–120 cm tall, 25–35 cm spread

• Position: Full sun, fertile, well-drained soil

• Flowering period: Early to late summer

Ideal For

• Cottage gardens and classic borders

• Cutting gardens for fresh or dried flowers

• Pollinator-friendly plantings

• Adding vertical accents in mixed beds

Sowing Instructions

1. When to sow: March–May or August–September outdoors

2. How to sow:

   • Scatter seeds thinly on prepared soil

   • Cover lightly with soil

   • Germination: 14–28 days

3. After germination:

   • Thin seedlings to 20–30 cm apart

   • Stake taller plants if grown in exposed sites

New England Aster ‘Sky Blue’ Seeds (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)

Brighten your late-season garden with New England Aster ‘Sky Blue’ (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae). This hardy perennial produces masses of sky-blue daisy-like flowers in late summer and autumn, creating a stunning display in borders, meadows, and cutting gardens. Easy to grow and long-flowering, it attracts pollinators and adds vibrant color when many other plants have finished blooming.

How to Grow

• Sow seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost or directly outdoors after frost risk has passed.

• Use well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.

• Lightly cover seeds with soil and keep moist until germination (14–21 days).

• Thin seedlings to 30–40 cm apart once established.

• Mulch around plants to retain moisture and support healthy growth.

• Cut back after flowering to maintain plant vigor.

Key Features

• Sky-blue, daisy-like flowers in late summer and autumn

• Hardy perennial, long-flowering and easy to grow

• Ideal for borders, meadows, and cutting gardens

• Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators

• Adds vibrant late-season color to garden beds

Ideal For

• Flower borders and cottage gardens

• Wildflower meadows and naturalized areas

• Cutting gardens for bouquets

• Pollinator-friendly landscapes

Sowing

• Best time: 6–8 weeks before last frost indoors or after frost outdoors

• Germination: 14–21 days

• Sow thinly, cover lightly, and keep soil moist

• Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil

Quick Tip

• For extended blooms, sow successive batches or cut flowers regularly to encourage new growth.

Lavender ‘Hidcote’ Blue – Seeds (Lavandula angustifolia)

Lavender ‘Hidcote’ Blue (Lavandula angustifolia) is a classic compact variety prized for its deep violet-blue flower spikes and aromatic foliage. Ideal for borders, herb gardens, and containers, it attracts bees and butterflies while providing fragrant blooms for cutting and drying. Hardy and low-maintenance, it’s perfect for sunny, well-drained locations.

Why Grow "Hidcote Blue"

• Deep violet-blue fragrant flower spikes

• Compact, tidy growth ideal for borders and containers

• Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies

• Excellent for cutting, drying, and culinary use

Key Features

• Type: Hardy perennial (Lavandula angustifolia)

• Height: 30–45 cm

• Flowering: June–August

• Position: Full sun, well-drained soil

• Uses: Borders, herb gardens, containers, pollinator-friendly planting

Ideal For

• Herb and cottage gardens

• Pollinator-friendly borders

• Container planting and edging

• Fragrant bouquets and dried arrangements

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: February–April in seed trays

• Germination: 14–28 days at 18–22°C

• Transplant seedlings into pots or borders after last frost

• Space 25–30 cm apart for compact growth

• Prefers sunny, well-drained soil; avoid overwatering