Sow in April

Canterbury Bells Mix Seeds (Campanula medium)

Canterbury Bells are classic biennial flowers cherished for their bell-shaped blooms in a range of vibrant colors. This mix produces tall, elegant stems covered in large, showy flowers that brighten borders, cottage gardens, and cut flower arrangements. With their long-lasting blooms and architectural form, they are perfect for adding vertical interest and charm to any garden.

What Makes It Special

• Produces bell-shaped flowers in multiple colors

• Tall, upright growth adds vertical structure to borders

• Excellent for cut flowers with a long vase life

• Biennial: flowers in the second year for a reliable display

Key Features

• Botanical name: Campanula medium

• Common name: Canterbury Bells

• Seed count: Approx. seeds per pack

• Height/Spread: 60–90 cm tall, 25–30 cm spread

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

• Flowering period: Second year; early to mid-summer

• Lifespan: Biennial

Ideal For

• Borders and cottage-style gardens

• Cut flower arrangements

• Mixed flower beds

• Pollinator-friendly gardens

Sowing Instructions

1. When to sow:

   • Indoors: February–March for transplanting

   • Outdoors: April–May in well-prepared soil

2. How to sow:

   • Sow seeds thinly on surface and lightly press into soil

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

3. Transplant/Thin: Space seedlings 25–30 cm apart

4. Care: Protect young plants from frost; stake taller varieties if needed

Aster Powder Puff Seeds (Callistephus chinensis)

Aster Powder Puff is a stunning annual variety producing large, fluffy, chrysanthemum-like blooms in a wide range of vibrant colors. Its double flowers resemble soft powder puffs, adding texture and richness to summer and autumn borders. Easy to grow and long-lasting as cut flowers, they make an excellent addition to cottage gardens and floral displays.

What Makes It Special

• Large, fully double “powder puff” blooms

• Available in a wide range of bright, cheerful colors

• Excellent as a cut flower with a long vase life

• Strong stems and bushy growth habit

Key Features

• Botanical name: Callistephus chinensis

• Variety: Powder Puff

• Seed count: Approx. seeds per pack

• Height/Spread: 50–70 cm tall, 25–30 cm spread

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

• Flowering period: July–October

Ideal For

• Borders and bedding displays

• Cutting for floral arrangements

• Cottage gardens and mixed borders

• Late-summer color in the garden

Sowing Instructions

1. When to sow: February–April indoors, or direct sow outdoors from April–May

2. How to sow:

   • Sow thinly on moist seed compost, cover lightly with soil or vermiculite

   • Germination takes 7–14 days at 18–20°C

3. Transplanting: When seedlings are large enough, transplant 30 cm apart

4. Care: Water regularly, avoid overhead watering to prevent mildew

🌸 Callistephus chinensis Pompon Aster ‘Hi-no-maru Mix’ – Compact Plants with Perfect Pompon Blooms

‘Hi-no-maru Mix’ is a striking pompon aster variety producing perfectly rounded, fully double flowers inspired by the Japanese “rising sun” colour style. The mix consists of red-and-white, blue-and-white, and pink-and-white blooms, each with a clear contrasting centre. The flowers are held on strong stems above neat, compact plants. Flowering in late summer, this variety is ideal for bedding displays, borders, containers and cut flowers. Uniform growth and excellent flower form make it a favourite for both gardens and floral arrangements.

Key Features

● Fully double, perfectly rounded pompon flowers

● Attractive colour mix inspired by “Hi-no-maru” style

● Compact, upright plants with strong stems

● Excellent for bedding, pots and cut flowers

● Late-summer colour when many annuals fade

How to Sow & Grow Pompon Aster ‘Hi-no-maru Mix’ (UK)

Sow indoors: III–IV (March–April) in trays or pots

Transplant outdoors: V–VI (May–June) once seedlings are sturdy and frost risk has passed

Direct outdoors: IV–V (April–May)

Flowering: VII–IX (July–September)

Germination temperature: 18–22 °C (64–72 °F)

Average germ time: 7–14 days

Depth: 0.5 cm (¼ in)

Light required: Yes

Moisture: Keep soil evenly moist

Environment: Full sun

Soil type: Fertile, well-drained soil

Plant spacing: 20–25 cm (8–10 in)

Height: 40–60 cm (16–24 in)

Sowing & Growing Tips (variety-specific)

● Avoid growing asters in the same spot every year to reduce disease risk.

● Water at soil level to keep foliage dry.

● Pinch young plants to encourage bushier growth.

● Cut flowers regularly to extend blooming.

● Ideal for late-summer borders and floral displays.

Special Features

● Classic pompon flower shape with excellent uniformity

● Strong stems ideal for cutting

● Decorative Japanese-inspired colour mix

Zinnia 'Burpeeana Giants Mix' – Seeds

(Zinnia elegans)

Zinnia 'Burpeeana Giants Mix' is a spectacular blend of bold, fully double blooms reaching up to 12–15 cm across. This mix features an array of dazzling colours, from vibrant reds, pinks, and oranges to golden yellows and whites. The tall, sturdy plants make a striking display in the garden and provide excellent cut flowers. Heat-loving and easy to grow, these zinnias are perfect for a summer of nonstop colour.

Key Features

• Type: Half-hardy annual

• Height: 75–100 cm

• Spread: 30–40 cm

• Flowering: July–October

• Position: Full sun

• Soil: Fertile, well-drained

Ideal For

• Cottage gardens

• Bold, colourful borders

• Summer bedding displays

• Cut flower gardens

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: March–April at 18–22°C

• Sow outdoors: May, after frost risk has passed

• Germination: 7–14 days

• Transplant/Thin: 30–40 cm apart

• Remove spent blooms to encourage more flowers

Dwarf Verbena 'Apricot' – Seeds (Verbena hybrida nana)

Dwarf Verbena 'Apricot' is a compact, free-flowering annual that brings a soft, warm glow to garden beds, borders, and containers. With its clusters of delicate apricot-colored blooms, this charming plant is ideal for edging pathways, filling pots, or creating cheerful bedding displays. Known for its long flowering season, it will brighten up your garden from summer into autumn.

Why Grow Dwarf Verbena 'Apricot'?

• Compact, dwarf-growing variety – perfect for small spaces

• Long-lasting apricot blooms in dense clusters

• Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators

• Excellent for beds, borders, window boxes, and pots

Key Features

• Type: Annual flower

• Height: 20–25 cm

• Spread: 20–25 cm

• Flowering: June–October

• Position: Full sun

• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: February–April, cover lightly with compost

• Germination: 14–21 days at 18–22°C

• Transplant outdoors after last frost, spacing 20–25 cm apart

• Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering

Tip: Ideal for bedding schemes when mixed with other pastel shades for a soft summer display.

Cut Sunflower Semi Tall Mix – 40 Seeds (Helianthus annuus)

The Cut Sunflower Semi Tall Mix produces cheerful, long-stemmed blooms in a vibrant range of golden, yellow, and orange shades. Compact yet tall enough for cutting, this variety is perfect for borders, beds, and floral arrangements. Easy to grow and quick to flower, it brings a burst of summer color to every garden.

Why Grow This Sunflower Mix?

• Bright, cheerful flowers in warm shades

• Ideal for cut flower arrangements

• Semi-tall growth suits small and large gardens

• Hardy and easy to grow

Key Features

• Type: Annual

• Height: 120–150 cm

• Spread: 30–40 cm

• Flowering: July–September

• Position: Full sun

• Soil: Fertile, well-drained

Ideal For

• Cut flower gardens

• Borders and beds

• Pollinator-friendly plantings

• Summer bouquets

Sowing & Growing

• Sow outdoors: April–May, directly in soil

• Germination: 7–14 days at 15–20°C

• Thin seedlings: 30–40 cm apart

• Water well in dry periods

• Stake if exposed to wind

Tip: Regular cutting encourages more flowers.

Cosmos 'Sensation' Mix – Seeds (Cosmos bipinnatus)

The Cosmos 'Sensation' mix is a classic cottage garden favorite, producing masses of large, daisy-like blooms in shades of pink, carmine, red, and pure white. With delicate, fern-like foliage and tall, graceful stems, this variety adds a light and airy charm to borders, wildflower meadows, and cut flower displays. Easy to grow and quick to bloom, it is an excellent choice for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike.

Highlights

• Large daisy-like flowers in a vibrant color mix

• Ferny foliage and tall, elegant stems

• Long flowering season, from summer to autumn

• Excellent for cut flowers

• Hardy and easy to grow

Key Features

• Botanical Name: Cosmos bipinnatus

• Variety: 'Sensation' Mix

• Seed Count: Approx. seeds per pack

• Height/Spread: 90–120 cm tall, 40–50 cm spread

• Position: Full sun, well-drained soil

• Flowering Period: June–October

Perfect For

• Cottage gardens

• Wildflower-style plantings

• Borders and background color

• Cut flower arrangements

Sowing Instructions

• Sow indoors March–April at 18–21°C

• Cover seeds lightly with fine compost or vermiculite

• Germination: 7–10 days

• Harden off and plant out after the last frost, spacing 30–40 cm apart

• Alternatively, sow direct outdoors April–May where plants are to grow

Sweet Pea ‘Watermelon’ (Pink) – Seeds

(Lathyrus odoratus elegance) – Annual Climber

The Sweet Pea ‘Watermelon’ is a stunning variety with bright pink blooms that resemble the refreshing tones of watermelon. Beloved for their fragrance and elegant form, these long-stemmed flowers are perfect for cutting gardens, trellises, and cottage borders. A vigorous climber, it brings height, charm, and color all summer long.

Key Features

• Type: Annual climbing vine

• Height: 180–200 cm

• Blooming period: June–September

• Position: Full sun

• Soil: Rich, well-drained soil

Ideal For

• Trellises, arches, and fences

• Cottage and cutting gardens

• Fragrant summer bouquets

• Attracting pollinators

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: February–April, in pots at 15–18°C

• Sow outdoors: April–May, directly after frost

• Sowing depth: 2–3 cm

• Spacing: 20 cm apart

• Care: Provide support; water regularly; pick flowers frequently to encourage continuous blooms

Marsh Mallow – Seeds (Althaea officinalis)

Marsh Mallow is a hardy perennial herb known for its tall, elegant growth and soft, velvety leaves. Traditionally valued for its medicinal properties, its roots and leaves can be used in herbal remedies, teas, and natural skincare preparations. The plant also produces attractive pale pink flowers that add charm to herb and cottage gardens.

Ideal for garden beds, borders, and natural herbal plots, Marsh Mallow is easy to grow and low-maintenance once established.

How to Grow

• Sow indoors: February – April

• Sow outdoors: April – May

• Depth: 0.5–1 cm

• Spacing: 40–50 cm between plants

• Position: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil: Fertile, well-drained, moist

• Watering: Regular watering until established

Key Features

• Hardy perennial herb with medicinal and culinary uses

• Soft, velvety leaves and pale pink flowers

• Ideal for teas, herbal remedies, and natural skincare

• Low-maintenance once established

• Suitable for herb gardens, borders, and cottage gardens

Harvest

• Harvesting period: Summer – Autumn

• Pick leaves and flowers as needed; roots can be harvested in autumn for medicinal use.

Short Tip

For a continuous supply, harvest leaves selectively and leave some to flower for seeds.