Sow in April

🌼 Rudbeckia hirta ‘Rustic Dwarf Mix’ – Compact Coneflowers with Warm Autumn Tones

‘Rustic Dwarf Mix’ is a charming compact rudbeckia (coneflower) blend producing masses of daisy-like flowers in warm, rustic shades of golden yellow, bronze, copper and mahogany, all with distinctive dark central cones. The plants form neat, bushy clumps and flower freely from mid-summer into autumn, making this mix ideal for borders, bedding displays, containers and pollinator-friendly gardens. Hardy, reliable and easy to grow, it provides long-lasting colour when many summer flowers begin to fade.

Life cycle: Annual (often grown as an annual; some plants may behave as short-lived perennials)

Key Features

● Warm, rustic colour mix with dark central cones
● Compact, uniform plants with tidy habit
● Long flowering season from summer to autumn
● Excellent for borders, containers and bedding
● Highly attractive to bees and pollinators

How to Sow & Grow Rudbeckia ‘Rustic Dwarf Mix’ (UK)

Sow indoors: II–IV (February–April)
Transplant outdoors: V–VI (May–June) after last frost
Direct outdoors: IV–V (April–May)
Flowering: VII–X (July–October)

Germination temperature: 18–22 °C (64–72 °F)
Average germ time: 10–21 days
Depth: Surface sow – do not cover; press gently into soil (light required)
Light required: Yes
Moisture: Moderate
Environment: Full sun (tolerates light shade)
Soil type: Well-drained, average garden soil
Plant spacing: 25–30 cm (10–12 in)
Height: 30–40 cm (12–16 in)

Sowing & Growing Tips (variety-specific)

● Start seeds under cover for earlier flowering.
● Deadhead regularly to extend the bloom period.
● Drought-tolerant once established.
● Excellent performer in hot, sunny positions.
● Ideal for low-maintenance and wildlife gardens.

Special Features

● Compact rudbeckia ideal for smaller spaces
● Rich, autumnal colour palette
● Reliable, long-lasting summer flowers

Cornflower Double ‘Black Ball’ – Seeds

(Centaurea cyanus)

Cornflower Double ‘Black Ball’ is an annual with striking, deep black double blooms that add bold contrast to gardens and floral arrangements. Its long flowering season and compact growth make it ideal for borders, cottage gardens, and pollinator-friendly plantings. Easy to grow and low-maintenance, it also attracts bees and butterflies.

Why Grow Cornflower Double ‘Black Ball’?

• Striking deep black double blooms

• Long-flowering, compact annual

• Attracts bees and butterflies

• Ideal for borders and cut flowers

Key Features

• Type: Annual

• Height: 40–50 cm

• Flowers: Summer

• Position: Full sun

• Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile

Ideal For

• Borders, cottage gardens, and mixed beds

• Pollinator-friendly gardens

• Cutting for floral arrangements

• Adding bold, dark contrast to plantings

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

• Spacing: 20–25 cm apart

• Care: Moderate watering; deadhead to prolong flowering

Yarrow ‘Milfoil Cerise Queen’ – Seeds (Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow ‘Milfoil Cerise Queen’ (Achillea millefolium) is a hardy perennial featuring flat-topped clusters of vibrant cerise flowers above fine, fern-like foliage. Blooming from early summer to autumn, it adds long-lasting color and texture to borders, rockeries, and wildflower gardens. Drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and attractive to pollinators, this yarrow is ideal for sustainable gardens and mixed perennial beds.

Why Grow "Milfoil Cerise Queen"

• Vibrant cerise, flat-topped flower clusters

• Long flowering season from early summer to autumn

• Hardy, drought-tolerant, and low-maintenance

• Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators

Key Features

• Type: Perennial (Achillea millefolium)

• Height: 40–60 cm

• Flowering: Early summer to autumn

• Position: Full sun

• Uses: Borders, rockeries, wildflower gardens, pollinator-friendly beds

Ideal For

• Adding bold color and texture to perennial borders

• Sustainable and low-water gardens

• Pollinator-friendly planting schemes

• Cottage-style or naturalistic gardens

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: February–April in trays or pots

• Sow outdoors: March–May directly in soil

• Germination: 10–20 days at 18–22°C

• Thin seedlings 30 cm apart

• Prefers well-drained soil in full sun

• Cut back spent flowers to encourage rebloom

Sunflower 'Red Sun' Seeds (Helianthus annuus)

The Sunflower 'Red Sun' is a striking tall variety, producing large, fiery-red to bronze blooms with dark centers. Reaching heights of 150–180 cm, these sunflowers create a dramatic display in borders and wildlife gardens. Excellent as a cut flower and highly attractive to bees and butterflies, it brings both bold color and pollinator activity to your garden.

What Makes It Special

• Unique deep red-bronze blooms unlike typical yellow sunflowers

• Tall, stately plants ideal for the back of borders

• Long-lasting cut flowers with strong stems

• Attracts bees, butterflies, and birds

Key Features

• Botanical name: Helianthus annuus

• Variety: 'Red Sun'

• Seed count: Approx. seeds per pack

• Height/Spread: 150–180 cm tall, 40–60 cm spread

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

• Flowering period: July–September

Ideal For

• Bold border plantings

• Wildlife and pollinator-friendly gardens

• Cut flower arrangements

• Cottage gardens and tall seasonal screens

Sowing Instructions

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

2. How to sow:

   • Sow seeds 1.5 cm deep in pots or directly outdoors after frost risk has passed

   • Germination in 7–14 days at 15–20°C

3. Transplanting: Thin or transplant seedlings to 45 cm apart

4. Care: Provide support in windy areas; water during dry spells.

Cosmos ‘Candy Stripe’ – Seeds

(Cosmos bipinnatus)

Cosmos ‘Candy Stripe’ is an elegant annual with delicate, bicolor flowers in white with soft pink stripes. Its tall, airy stems make it perfect for borders, wildflower meadows, and cut flowers. Easy to grow, long-flowering, and attractive to pollinators, it adds a charming, whimsical touch to any garden.

Why Grow Cosmos ‘Candy Stripe’?

• White flowers with soft pink stripes

• Tall, airy stems

• Long-flowering and easy to grow

• Attracts bees, butterflies, and pollinators

Key Features

• Type: Annual

• Height: 100–150 cm

• Flowers: Summer to autumn

• Position: Full sun

• Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile

Ideal For

• Borders, wildflower gardens, and meadows

• Cut flowers and floral arrangements

• Pollinator-friendly gardens

• Low-maintenance colorful displays

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: February–April in seed trays

• Sow outdoors: April–May in prepared soil

• Germination: 7–14 days at 18–22°C

• Spacing: 25–30 cm apart

• Care: Moderate watering; remove weeds and deadhead for continuous blooms

Snapdragon 'Trumpet Serenade' – Seeds (Antirrhinum majus)

A striking variety of snapdragon with tall, trumpet-shaped blooms in a rich mix of colors. Long-flowering and versatile, 'Trumpet Serenade' adds height, structure, and vibrant color to summer borders and cutting gardens. Beloved by pollinators, it brings life and charm to any display.

Why Grow Snapdragon 'Trumpet Serenade'?

• Showy, trumpet-like blooms in mixed colors

• Long flowering season

• Excellent as a cut flower

• Attracts bees, butterflies, and pollinators

Key Features

• Type: Half-hardy annual

• Height: 60–75 cm

• Flowers: Summer into early autumn

• Position: Full sun to partial shade

• Use: Borders, cut flowers, cottage gardens, containers

Ideal For

• Adding vertical color to mixed borders

• Cutting for fresh bouquets

• Pollinator-friendly plantings

• Cottage-style and wildlife gardens

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: February–April, lightly pressing seeds into moist compost (do not cover, needs light to germinate)

• Germination: 10–21 days at 18–21°C

• Transplant outdoors after frost, spacing 25 cm apart

• Flowers: June–October

Tip: Pinch out young plants to encourage bushier growth and more blooms.

French Marigold ‘Dandy Stripe’ – Seeds (Tagetes patula nana)

French Marigold ‘Dandy Stripe’ (Tagetes patula nana) is a charming dwarf annual featuring vibrant, striped blooms in shades of gold, orange, and red. Its compact, bushy habit makes it ideal for borders, containers, and bedding schemes, producing a cheerful display from early summer until the first frost. Easy to grow and low-maintenance, this variety also attracts pollinators and can help repel garden pests naturally.

Why Grow "Dandy Stripe"

• Bright, striped blooms in gold, orange, and red

• Long flowering season from early summer to autumn

• Compact, bushy, and low-maintenance

• Attracts pollinators and repels certain pests

Key Features

• Type: Annual (Tagetes patula nana)

• Height: 20–30 cm

• Flowering: Early summer to autumn

• Position: Full sun

• Uses: Borders, containers, bedding, pollinator-friendly gardens

Ideal For

• Adding cheerful color to small spaces and borders

• Container and window box planting

• Natural pest control in vegetable or flower gardens

• Pollinator-friendly garden designs

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: February–April in trays or pots

• Sow outdoors: April–May after frost danger has passed

• Germination: 7–14 days at 20°C

• Thin/space seedlings: 20–25 cm apart

• Prefers well-drained soil in full sun

Black-eyed Susan Mix – Seeds

(Thunbergia alata)

Black-eyed Susan Vine (Thunbergia alata) is a fast-growing climber with masses of cheerful, brightly colored blooms in shades of yellow, orange, and cream, each with a characteristic dark center. Perfect for adding a splash of long-lasting color, this mix thrives on trellises, fences, or hanging baskets, creating a vibrant display all summer long.

Why Grow Black-eyed Susan Mix?

• Free-flowering climber with vivid blooms

• Long season of color from summer to frost

• Easy to grow and fast covering

• Great for both vertical and container gardening

Key Features

• Type: Annual climber

• Height: 150–200 cm

• Flowers: Summer to autumn

• Position: Full sun or light shade

• Soil: Fertile, well-drained

Ideal For

• Covering fences, trellises, and arches

• Hanging baskets and balcony displays

• Fast seasonal screening

• Bright summer color in any garden

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: February–April in pots/trays at 18–22°C

• Germination: 14–21 days

• Transplant: Harden off and plant outside after last frost

• Outdoor sowing: Late spring in warm soil, directly where plants will climb

• Support: Provide trellis, netting, or string for climbing habit

Sweet Pea 'Ripple' Mixed – Seeds

(Lathyrus odoratus)

Sweet Pea 'Ripple' Mixed is a delightful climbing annual featuring a mix of soft pastel blooms in pinks, creams, and lavenders with a sweet, intoxicating fragrance. Its long, sturdy stems are ideal for cutting, while its vigorous climbing habit makes it perfect for trellises, fences, and arches. A must-have for adding vertical interest, colour, and scent to summer gardens.

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