Hardy Annual Flower Seeds

Dahlia 'Bloody Mary' – Seeds

(Dahlia variabilis)

Dahlia 'Bloody Mary' is a stunning compact variety that produces vibrant, dark red, fully double blooms with a rich, velvety texture. Its bushy habit and long flowering season make it ideal for borders, containers, and mixed flower beds. This eye-catching variety is also a favorite for cut flowers, adding dramatic color to bouquets and arrangements.

Key Features

• Type: Half-hardy annual (grown from seed)

• Height: 40–50 cm

• Spread: 30–40 cm

• Flowering: July–October

• Position: Full sun

• Soil: Fertile, well-drained

Ideal For

• Borders and bedding displays

• Containers and pots

• Cut flower arrangements

• Pollinator-friendly gardens

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: February–April at 18–22°C

• Germination: 7–14 days

• Transplant after last frost, spacing 25–30 cm

• Deadhead regularly to encourage continuous blooms

Dwarf Cosmos 'Carpet' Mix – Seeds

(Cosmos sulphureus semidouble)

Dwarf Cosmos 'Carpet' Mix produces compact, bushy plants covered in a dazzling blend of orange, yellow, and red semi-double blooms. Unlike taller cosmos varieties, this dwarf mix stays low, creating a brilliant “carpet” of color perfect for borders, bedding, or pots. Easy to grow and tolerant of poor soil, heat, and drought, it flowers all summer long.

Key Features

• Type: Half-hardy annual

• Height: 25–40 cm

• Spread: 25–30 cm

• Flowering: June–October

• Position: Full sun

• Soil: Light, well-drained

Ideal For

• Bedding displays & borders

• Pots and containers

• Edging paths

• Pollinator-friendly gardens

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: March–April, germinate at 18–22°C

• Sow outdoors: April–May after frost

• Transplant or thin to 25–30 cm spacing

• Deadhead regularly to extend blooming

Love-in-a-Mist ‘Persian Jewels’ Red – Seeds (Nigella damascena)

Love-in-a-Mist ‘Persian Jewels’ Red (Nigella damascena) is a charming cottage garden annual with finely cut, ferny foliage and delicate star-shaped flowers in rich shades of ruby and crimson. Its ornamental seed pods add long-lasting interest, making it a favorite for both fresh and dried arrangements. Easy to grow and pollinator-friendly, it’s perfect for borders and wildflower-style plantings.

Why Grow "Persian Jewels Red"

• Striking ruby-red starry blooms

• Airy, ferny foliage for soft texture

• Decorative seed pods for dried use

• Easy to grow and pollinator-friendly

Key Features

• Type: Hardy annual (Nigella damascena)

• Height: 45–60 cm

• Flowering: June–September

• Position: Full sun

• Uses: Borders, wildflower gardens, cut and dried flowers

Ideal For

• Cottage and wildflower gardens

• Fresh and dried floral arrangements

• Pollinator-friendly planting

• Naturalistic borders

Sowing & Growing

• Sow outdoors: March–May or August–September for earlier blooms

• Sow direct, thinly into prepared soil

• Germination: 14–21 days

• Thin seedlings to 20–25 cm apart

• Prefers well-drained soil in full sun

Swan River Daisy Mixed – Clouds of Colorful, Dainty Blooms

Swan River Daisy Mixed produces masses of small, daisy-like flowers in shades of purple, blue, pink, and white over fine, feathery foliage. Native to Australia, this easy-to-grow annual brings a soft, airy texture and vibrant color to garden beds, borders, and hanging baskets. A prolific bloomer from summer to autumn, it thrives in sunny spots and is perfect for low-maintenance displays.

What Makes It Special

• Abundant, delicate blooms in a rainbow of pastel shades

• Adds a light, airy look to gardens and containers

• Long flowering season with minimal care

• Tolerates heat and dry conditions once established

• Attracts pollinators

Key Features

• Height: 20–30 cm – compact, spreading habit

• Excellent for ground cover or edging

• Hardy annual – fast to flower from seed

• Drought-tolerant and easy to grow

• Perfect for mass planting

Ideal For

• Borders, edging, and pathways

• Hanging baskets and window boxes

• Cottage and wildflower gardens

• Low-maintenance summer displays

Sowing

• Sow indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost or direct sow after frost danger has passed

• Lightly press seeds into soil; do not cover deeply

• Germination: 7–14 days at 18–21°C

• Space plants 15–20 cm apart

• Prefers full sun and well-drained soil

Poppy Peony ‘Drama Queen’ Seeds (Papaver paeoniflorum)

Make a bold statement in your garden with Poppy Peony ‘Drama Queen’ (Papaver paeoniflorum). This annual produces large, double, peony-like blooms in vivid red shades, adding drama and elegance to borders, beds, and cutting gardens. Easy to grow and long-flowering, it’s perfect for creating eye-catching displays and stunning bouquets.

How to Grow

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

• Use well-drained soil in a sunny location.

• Scatter seeds thinly and press lightly onto the soil; do not cover deeply.

• Keep soil moist until germination (10–20 days).

• Thin seedlings to 20–30 cm apart once established.

• Cut flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming.

Key Features

• Large, double, peony-like blooms in vivid red

• Hardy annual, easy to grow and long-flowering

• Ideal for borders, beds, and cutting gardens

• Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators

• Dramatic and eye-catching garden display

Ideal For

• Flower borders and cottage gardens

• Cutting gardens for fresh bouquets

• Containers and patio planters

• Pollinator-friendly gardens

Sowing

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

• Germination: 10–20 days

• Sow thinly, press lightly, do not cover deeply

• Prefers full sun and well-drained soil

Quick Tip

• Sow successive batches every 2–3 weeks for a longer flowering season and continuous dramatic blooms.

Honeywort – Seeds (Cerinthe major)

Honeywort (Cerinthe major) is an eye-catching annual with striking blue-purple tubular flowers and silvery-green foliage. Loved by bees and other pollinators, it adds unique texture and color to borders, cottage gardens, and wildflower mixes. Fast-growing and low-maintenance, it thrives in sunny, well-drained spots.

Why Grow "Honeywort"

• Striking blue-purple tubular flowers

• Silvery-green, ornamental foliage

• Attracts pollinators including bees and butterflies

• Easy to grow and low-maintenance

Key Features

• Type: Hardy annual (Cerinthe major)

• Height: 40–60 cm

• Flowering: June–September

• Position: Full sun, well-drained soil

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

Ideal For

• Pollinator-friendly gardens

• Cottage and naturalistic borders

• Adding height and color contrast

• Wildflower plantings

Sowing & Growing

• Sow outdoors: March–May in prepared soil

• Germination: 10–20 days at 18–22°C

• Thin seedlings to 25 cm apart

• Prefers full sun and well-drained soil

• Deadhead to encourage prolonged flowering

California Poppy Mix – Bright, Cheerful Blooms

California Poppies (Eschscholzia californica) offer vibrant, cup-shaped flowers in a mix of stunning colors that brighten any garden. Hardy and low-maintenance, these annuals thrive in sunny spots and well-drained soil, creating a natural, carefree meadow effect.

What Makes It Special

• Vibrant, colorful blooms

• Hardy and drought-tolerant

• Easy to grow and maintain

• Creates a natural, meadow-like effect

Key Features

• Annual plant

• Grows 30–45 cm tall

• Blooms from late spring to autumn

• Thrives in full sun with well-drained soil

• Attracts bees and pollinators

Ideal For

• Garden borders and beds

• Wildflower meadows

• Container planting

• Pollinator-friendly gardens

Sowing

• Sow directly outdoors after last frost

• Plant seeds 0.5 cm deep

• Germination: 7–14 days at 15–20°C

• Space 15–20 cm apart

• Minimal watering once established

Love-in-a-Mist ‘Miss Jekyll’ Indigo Blue – Romantic Cottage Garden Classic

Love-in-a-Mist ‘Miss Jekyll’ produces masses of delicate, sky-like indigo-blue flowers surrounded by fine, ferny foliage. This charming annual blooms over a long summer season, adding soft texture and a whimsical feel to beds, borders, and cut flower arrangements. Decorative seed pods follow the blooms, perfect for drying.

What Makes It Special

• Iconic cottage garden favourite

• Rich indigo-blue blooms with airy green bracts

• Long flowering season and attractive seed pods

• Easy to grow and self-seeds freely

• Suitable for fresh and dried arrangements

Key Features

• Height: 45–60 cm – graceful upright growth

• Pollinator-friendly – loved by bees

• Ornamental seed heads extend garden interest

• Tolerant of poor soil and low maintenance

• Hardy annual

Ideal For

• Cottage and wildflower gardens

• Cutting gardens and dried flower crafts

• Borders and mixed plantings

• Naturalising for effortless summer color

Sowing

• Direct sow in spring or autumn where they are to flower

• Sow thinly, cover lightly with fine soil

• Germination: 10–14 days at 15–20°C

• Thin seedlings to 20 cm apart

• Prefers full sun and well-drained soil

Dahlia ‘Pompon’ Mixed – Perfectly Round Blooms in a Rainbow of Colors

Dahlia ‘Pompon’ Mixed produces charming, globe-shaped flowers in a vibrant range of colors, each bloom showcasing tightly packed petals in perfect symmetry. These stunning flowers add elegance and texture to borders, beds, and cutting gardens, flowering from mid-summer right up to the first frost. With their long, strong stems, they’re ideal for bouquets and floral arrangements.

What Makes It Special

• Unique, perfectly round pompon blooms

• Wide mix of bright, eye-catching colors

• Long flowering season for continuous beauty

• Excellent vase life for cut flowers

• Adds elegance and structure to garden displays

Key Features

• Height: 90–120 cm – tall, sturdy plants

• Half-hardy annual – blooms in first season

• Globe-shaped flowers, 5–7 cm across

• Strong stems perfect for cutting

• Attractive to pollinators

Ideal For

• Flower beds and cutting gardens

• Borders needing height and color

• Summer bouquets and floral arrangements

• Late-season garden interest

Sowing

• Sow indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost

• Cover lightly with fine compost

• Germination: 7–14 days at 18–21°C

• Transplant after frost danger has passed, spacing 40–50 cm apart

• Prefers full sun and fertile, well-drained soil