Sow in July

Sweet William ‘Pinocchio’ Mix – Seeds

(Dianthus barbatus) – Biennial/Short-lived Perennial

The Sweet William ‘Pinocchio’ Mix is a compact variety that produces charming clusters of vividly colored flowers in shades of red, pink, white, and bicolor. Its fragrant, long-lasting blooms make it a favorite for borders, rock gardens, and cut flowers. Compact in habit, it’s perfect for smaller spaces and containers while still bringing cottage-garden charm.

Key Features

• Type: Biennial / short-lived perennial

• Height: 25–30 cm

• Blooming period: May–July (from second year)

• Position: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil

Ideal For

• Borders and edging

• Rock and cottage gardens

• Containers and small gardens

• Long-lasting cut flowers

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: February–April at 18–20°C

• Sow outdoors: May–June for flowering the following year

• Sowing depth: Surface sow, lightly cover with fine soil

• Spacing: 15–20 cm apart

• Care: Deadhead regularly; mulch in winter for protection

Pansy ‘Clear Crystals Black’ – Seeds (Viola wittrockiana)

Pansy ‘Clear Crystals Black’ (Viola wittrockiana) is a dramatic and elegant variety with large, velvety, jet-black blooms. Compact and easy to grow, it flowers from early spring through summer, and again in autumn with lasting displays. Perfect for borders, bedding, window boxes, and containers, these striking flowers also make excellent companions in mixed plantings. Hardy and reliable, pansies add bold contrast to the garden while attracting pollinators.

Why Grow "Clear Crystals Black"

• Striking velvety black blooms for dramatic displays

• Long flowering season from spring to autumn

• Compact, hardy, and easy to grow

• Great for borders, containers, and window boxes

Key Features

• Type: Hardy annual/biennial (Viola wittrockiana)

• Height: 15–20 cm

• Flowering: Spring to autumn

• Position: Full sun or partial shade

• Uses: Bedding, borders, containers, window boxes, pollinator gardens

Ideal For

• Adding dramatic color contrast to displays

• Early spring and autumn garden interest

• Compact planting in pots and containers

• Pollinator-friendly planting schemes

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: February–April or July–September

• Germination: 10–20 days at 15–20°C

• Transplant seedlings 15–20 cm apart

• Prefers rich, moist but well-drained soil

• Deadhead regularly to prolong blooming

Dahlia dwarf ‘Starlight’ – Seeds

(Dahlia variabilis)

The Dahlia dwarf ‘Starlight’ is a charming compact variety producing an abundance of single, star-shaped blooms in shades of red, pink, and white, often with contrasting centers. With its bushy, dwarf growth habit, this dahlia is ideal for containers, borders, bedding schemes, and patio displays. A long-flowering annual, it brings a burst of color from mid-summer until the first frost.

Key Features

• Type: Half-hardy annual

• Height: 25–35 cm

• Spread: 25–30 cm

• Flowering: July–October

• Position: Full sun

• Soil: Moist, fertile, well-drained

Ideal For

• Containers, pots, and patio displays

• Bedding and border plantings

• Pollinator-friendly gardens

• Compact summer color displays

Sowing & Growing

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

• Sow depth: 0.5 cm, cover lightly with soil

• Transplant: Harden off and plant outdoors after last frost, spacing 25–30 cm apart

• Care: Water regularly, deadhead faded blooms to prolong flowering

English Daisy 'Super Enorma' Red Seeds (Bellis perennis)

The English Daisy ‘Super Enorma’ Red is a premium variety renowned for its extra-large double blooms in a rich, velvety red shade. Compared to traditional English daisies, ‘Super Enorma’ produces bigger, showier flowers that stand out beautifully in spring borders, containers, and cottage gardens. This hardy perennial, often grown as a biennial, brings an early burst of dramatic color and pairs perfectly with spring bulbs and other bedding plants.

What Makes It Special

• Extra-large blooms for maximum impact

• Vivid deep red pompon flowers that brighten spring gardens

• Compact growth yet highly floriferous

• Hardy and reliable, ideal for early-season displays

Key Features

• Botanical name: Bellis perennis

• Variety: Super Enorma Red

• Flower size: Larger than standard Bellis varieties

• Height/Spread: 15–20 cm tall, 15–20 cm spread

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

• Flowering period: Early spring to early summer

• Lifespan: Perennial, usually cultivated as a biennial

Ideal For

• Spring bedding and borders

• Containers and pots for dramatic color

• Cottage gardens and mixed plantings

• Pairing with tulips, hyacinths, and pansies for classic displays

• Gardeners seeking large, showy daisies in bold red

Sowing Instructions

1. When to sow: May to July for flowers the following spring.

2. How to sow:

   • Sow on the surface of moist seed compost, as seeds need light to germinate.

   • Keep at 15–20°C; germination takes 14–28 days.

3. Transplant/Thin: Prick out seedlings when large enough to handle and grow on in cooler conditions. Harden off before planting 15–20 cm apart.

4. Care: Regular deadheading encourages longer flowering. Protect young plants from harsh frost.

English Daisy 'Pomponette' Red Seeds (Bellis perennis)

The English Daisy ‘Pomponette’ Red is a compact and eye-catching spring flower that produces dense, pompon-shaped double blooms in deep crimson to bright scarlet shades. Perfect for borders, edging, containers, or spring bedding, these hardy daisies bring vibrant early-season color and combine beautifully with tulips, violas, and forget-me-nots.

What Makes It Special

• Striking pompon-style flowers in vivid red tones

• Compact and hardy perennial, often grown as a biennial

• Early-flowering, adding bold color in spring

• Easy to grow and reliable in many garden settings

Key Features

• Botanical name: Bellis perennis

• Variety: Pomponette Red

• Height/Spread: 15–20 cm tall, 15–20 cm spread

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

• Flowering period: Early spring to early summer

• Lifespan: Perennial, usually treated as a biennial

Ideal For

• Spring borders and edging

• Containers, pots, and window boxes

• Cottage gardens and traditional bedding displays

• Pairing with spring bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths

• Adding a bold red highlight among softer pastel flowers

Sowing Instructions

1. When to sow: May to July for flowers the following spring.

2. How to sow:

   • Sow on the surface of moist seed compost, as seeds need light to germinate.

   • Keep at 15–20°C; germination takes 14–28 days.

3. Transplant/Thin: Prick out seedlings when large enough, then grow on in cooler conditions. Harden off before planting 15–20 cm apart.

4. Care: Remove faded flowers to prolong blooming. Protect young plants from severe frost.

🌸 Viola wittrockiana ‘Tempo’ – Hardy, Compact Pansy for Autumn & Early Spring Colour

‘Tempo’ is a reliable bedding pansy series known for its compact growth, mid-sized flowers, and excellent winter hardiness. Ideal for early spring and autumn planting, it produces a vibrant display of blooms in a wide range of colours. Many shades feature charming small “eyes”, adding classic pansy character. The sturdy plants maintain a neat shape and continue flowering through cold, wet, and changeable weather — perfect for borders, pots, window boxes, and mass bedding schemes.

Key Features

● Compact bedding pansy with mid-sized flowers

● Colour range includes types with small patterned “eyes”

● Exceptionally winter-hardy — ideal for autumn and early spring

● Reliable flowering in cold, wet conditions

● Perfect for pots, borders, containers, and bedding

How to Sow & Grow Viola wittrockiana ‘Tempo’ (UK)

Sow indoors: VI–VIII (June–August) in trays or pots

Transplant outdoors: VIII–IX (August–September) once seedlings are large enough to handle

Direct outdoors: VI–VIII (June–August)

Flowering: III–VI (March–June) from autumn sowings; VI–X (June–October) from spring sowings

Germination temperature: 15–20 °C (59–68 °F)

Average germ time: 10–21 days

Depth: Surface sow or cover very lightly (0.2 cm / 1⁄16 in)

Light required: Low light for germination

Moisture: Keep evenly moist

Environment: Full sun to partial shade

Soil type: Moist, fertile, well-drained soil

Plant spacing: 20–25 cm (8–10 in)

Height: 15–20 cm (6–8 in)

Sowing & Growing Tips (variety-specific)

● Keep seeds in low light to improve germination.

● Pinch young plants for bushier, more compact growth.

● Plant in autumn for strong winter establishment.

● Deadhead regularly for extended flowering.

● Excellent for cold, wet climates — extremely hardy.

Japanese Morning Glory 'Kikyo Zaki Mix' – Seeds

(Ipomoea nil)

The Japanese Morning Glory 'Kikyo Zaki Mix' is a traditional and highly prized variety, renowned in Japanese horticulture for its uniquely ruffled, star-shaped blooms. This climbing annual produces an extraordinary mix of deep purples, blues, pinks, and whites, each with striking petal forms that set them apart from common morning glories. The lush green foliage and vigorous growth make it a spectacular choice for trellises, fences, or balcony planters.

Key Features

• Type: Annual climber

• Height: 2–3 m

• Spread: 30–40 cm

• Flowering: July–October

• Position: Full sun / partial shade

• Soil: Fertile, well-drained

Ideal For

• Training up fences, arches, or trellises

• Balcony or patio containers with supports

• Creating a vertical display of colour

• Collectors of rare Japanese heirloom flowers

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: March–April in pots or trays

• Sow outdoors: May–June after last frost

• Nick or soak seeds for 12–24 hours before sowing to aid germination

• Germination: 7–14 days

• Plant spacing: 30–40 cm

• Requires support to climb

• Prefers full sun but tolerates light shade

English Daisy 'Pomponette' White Seeds (Bellis perennis)

The English Daisy ‘Pomponette’ White is a refined garden classic, producing neat, double pompon-like flowers in pure white. Compact and long-flowering, it brings freshness and elegance to borders, pots, and spring bedding schemes. Its timeless charm makes it perfect for traditional cottage gardens and for pairing with tulips, violas, or primroses.

What Makes It Special

• Produces pure white, pompon-style blooms for a clean and elegant look

• Compact, hardy, and easy to grow in most gardens

• Provides a long flowering season from early spring onwards

• Excellent choice for classic bedding schemes and container planting

Key Features

• Botanical name: Bellis perennis

• Variety: Pomponette White

• Height/Spread: 15–20 cm tall, 15–20 cm spread

• Position: Full sun or partial shade; thrives in moist, well-drained soil

• Flowering period: Early spring to early summer

• Lifespan: Perennial, often grown as a biennial

Ideal For

• Cottage gardens and traditional flower beds

• Spring bedding displays with tulips and primroses

• Pots, containers, and window boxes

• Low-growing borders and edging

• Adding a soft, white contrast to mixed planting schemes

Sowing Instructions

1. When to sow: Late spring to mid-summer (May–July) for flowers the following spring.

2. How to sow:

   • Sow thinly on the surface of moist seed compost.

   • Do not cover, as seeds need light to germinate.

   • Keep moist at 15–20°C. Germination takes 14–28 days.

3. Transplant/Thin: When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant to pots or trays. Plant outdoors 15–20 cm apart.

4. Care: Deadhead faded blooms to prolong flowering. Protect young plants from severe frost.

Hyacinth Bean – Seeds

(Dolichos lablab)

Hyacinth Bean is a fast-growing climber that brings striking ornamental value with its purple-tinged stems, lush foliage, and clusters of lilac-purple flowers followed by eye-catching, glossy pods. Perfect for creating quick vertical coverage, it adds vibrant color and an exotic touch to fences, arches, or trellises throughout summer.

Key Features

• Type: Tender annual climber

• Height: 200–300 cm

• Spread: 60–90 cm

• Flowering: July–October

• Position: Full sun

• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil

Ideal For

• Trellises and arches

• Vertical screens and fences

• Exotic-themed gardens

• Attracting bees and butterflies

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: March–April at 18–22°C

• Germination: 7–14 days

• Harden off and plant out after frost, spacing 30–45 cm

• Provide sturdy support for climbing