Sow in June

💜 Lavandula angustifolia True Lavender / English Lavender – Classic Aromatic Perennial with Fragrant Purple Spikes

Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as true lavender or English lavender, is the classic lavender species prized for its highly fragrant flowers, refined essential oils, and elegant silvery-green foliage. This hardy perennial produces dense spikes of soft purple to violet-blue blooms in summer, attracting bees and pollinators while adding timeless Mediterranean charm to gardens. Ideal for borders, gravel gardens, herb beds, containers, and hedging, it is also perfect for drying, sachets, oils, and culinary use.

Key Features

● True English lavender with exceptional fragrance

● Purple flower spikes rich in essential oils

● Hardy perennial suitable for UK climates

● Excellent for borders, pots, hedging and gravel gardens

● Ideal for drying, sachets, oils and culinary use

How to Sow & Grow Lavandula angustifolia (UK)

Sow indoors: II–IV (February–April) in trays or pots

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

Direct outdoors: IV–V (April–May)

Flowering: VI–VIII (June–August)

Life cycle: Perennial

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

Average germ time: 14–28 days

Depth: Surface sow — do not cover, but press gently into the soil (requires light to germinate)

Light required: Yes

Moisture: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established

Environment: Full sun

Soil type: Light, well-drained, sandy or gritty soil; dislikes heavy, wet soils

Plant spacing: 30–40 cm (12–16 in)

Height: 40–60 cm (16–24 in)

Sowing & Growing Tips (variety-specific)

● Excellent drainage is essential for long-term success.

● Avoid rich or wet soils to prevent root rot.

● Prune lightly after flowering to maintain compact shape.

● Harvest flowers just as they open for maximum fragrance.

● Perfect for low-maintenance and drought-tolerant gardens.

Special Features

● True lavender species with superior fragrance

● Highly attractive to bees and pollinators

● Classic choice for traditional and Mediterranean gardens

Dwarf Cosmos Early 'Vega' Mix – Seeds (Cosmos bipinnatus)

The Dwarf Cosmos Early 'Vega' Mix is a compact, early-flowering variety of cosmos that produces masses of cheerful, daisy-like blooms in shades of white, pink, and carmine-red. Unlike tall cosmos, 'Vega' grows into neat, bushy plants that stay compact, making it ideal for borders, bedding, patio pots, and containers. This easy-to-grow annual flowers quickly and blooms continuously throughout the summer.

Highlights

• Dwarf and bushy growth, perfect for smaller spaces

• Large, bright daisy-like blooms in mixed shades

• Early-flowering variety for a longer display

• Low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established

Key Features

• Botanical Name: Cosmos bipinnatus

• Variety: Dwarf Early 'Vega' Mix

• Seed Count: Approx. seeds per pack

• Height/Spread: 25–40 cm tall, 20–30 cm spread

• Position: Full sun, well-drained soil

• Flowering Period: June–October

Perfect For

• Patio pots and containers

• Bedding and borders

• Compact cottage garden displays

• Long-lasting cut flowers

Sowing Instructions

• Sow indoors March–April at 18–21°C

• Cover seeds lightly with compost or vermiculite

• Germination: 7–10 days

• Transplant outdoors after frost risk has passed, spacing 20–25 cm apart

• Can also be sown directly outdoors April–May

Tall Snapdragon Mixed Seeds (Antirrhinum majus ‘Maximus’)

Tall Snapdragon Mixed is a classic garden favorite featuring spikes of vibrant, tubular flowers in a mix of colors. Its tall, upright growth makes it perfect for borders, beds, and cut flower arrangements. Loved for its long flowering season and striking vertical display, it brings charm and elegance to any garden.

What Makes It Special

• Vibrant tubular flowers in assorted colors

• Tall, upright growth ideal for dramatic borders and cut flowers

• Long-flowering and easy to grow

• Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies

Key Features

• Botanical name: Antirrhinum majus ‘Maximus’

• Variety: Mixed

• Seed count: Approx. seeds per pack

• Height/Spread: 60–90 cm tall, 20–30 cm spread

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

• Flowering period: June–September

Ideal For

• Back borders and garden beds

• Cut flower arrangements

• Pollinator-friendly gardens

• Adding vertical color and structure to summer gardens

Sowing Instructions

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

2. How to sow:

   • Sow seeds thinly on the surface of moist seed compost and press lightly

   • Germination occurs in 10–14 days at 18–20°C

3. Transplanting: Plant seedlings outdoors 20–25 cm apart after frost

4. Care: Water moderately; remove faded flowers to encourage continuous 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

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

Dwarf Sunflower 'Sunspot' Seeds (Helianthus annuus)

The Dwarf Sunflower 'Sunspot' is a compact variety producing giant golden-yellow blooms up to 25 cm wide on sturdy dwarf stems. Reaching just 45–60 cm in height, it’s perfect for small gardens, borders, and containers while still giving the dramatic effect of traditional tall sunflowers. A favorite for children’s gardens and excellent as a cut flower.

What Makes It Special

• Dwarf habit with impressively large flowers

• Perfect for pots, small gardens, or children’s growing projects

• Sturdy stems resist wind and rarely need staking

• Attracts pollinators and makes excellent cut flowers

Key Features

• Botanical name: Helianthus annuus

• Variety: 'Sunspot'

• Seed count: Approx. seeds per pack

• Height/Spread: 45–60 cm tall, 20–30 cm spread

• Position: Full sun; well-drained soil

• Flowering period: July–September

Ideal For

• Pots and containers

• Children’s gardens and school projects

• Borders and bedding schemes

• Cut flower arrangements

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

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

3. Transplanting: Plant seedlings outdoors after frost risk has passed

4. Care: Water regularly in dry conditions; dwarf plants are sturdy and easy to grow.

Livingstone Daisy Mixed – Seeds (Dorotheanthus bellidiformis)

The Livingstone Daisy Mixed is a dazzling carpet-forming annual that produces masses of daisy-like blooms in vibrant shades of pink, red, orange, yellow, and white. The flowers open wide in full sunlight, creating a striking display over their low-growing, succulent foliage. Perfect for hot, dry, sunny spots, this cheerful mix brightens up any summer garden with its jewel-like colors.

What Makes It Special

• Brilliant mix of jewel-toned daisy flowers

• Thrives in poor, dry soils and full sun

• Excellent ground cover for summer displays

• Compact, trailing habit ideal for edging and containers

Key Features

• Botanical name: Dorotheanthus bellidiformis

• Common name: Livingstone Daisy / Ice Plant

• Variety: Mixed colors

• Seed count: Approx. seeds per pack

• Height/Spread: 10–15 cm tall, spreading up to 20 cm

• Position: Full sun; well-drained soil

• Flowering period: Summer (June–September)

Ideal For

• Bedding and edging

• Rockeries and gravel gardens

• Containers and window boxes

• Drought-tolerant displays in sunny spots

Sowing Instructions

1. When to sow: February–April indoors, or May outdoors after frost

2. How to sow:

   • Sow seeds on the surface of fine, moist compost; do not cover (light aids germination)

   • Keep at 18–20°C; germination in 10–21 days

3. After germination:

   • Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle

   • Harden off and plant outdoors 10–15 cm apart in sunny, free-draining soil

Nasturtium ‘Empress of India’ – Seeds (Tropaeolum nanum)

Nasturtium ‘Empress of India’ (Tropaeolum nanum) is a vibrant annual with striking deep red and dark foliage. Its trailing habit makes it perfect for containers, hanging baskets, and garden borders. Edible flowers and leaves add a peppery flavor to salads and garnishes, while the plant attracts pollinators, creating both beauty and utility in your garden.

Why Grow "Empress of India"

• Deep red blooms with dark, attractive foliage

• Trailing habit ideal for containers and hanging baskets

• Edible flowers and leaves with a peppery taste

• Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators

Key Features

• Type: Annual (Tropaeolum nanum)

• Height: 20–30 cm

• Flowering: June–September

• Position: Full sun to partial shade

• Uses: Containers, hanging baskets, borders, edible garden

Ideal For

• Edible and ornamental garden planting

• Hanging baskets and container displays

• Pollinator-friendly gardens

• Borders and small garden beds

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: March–April in trays or pots

• Sow outdoors: After last frost in prepared soil

• Germination: 7–14 days at 18–22°C

• Thin seedlings to 20–25 cm apart

• Prefers well-drained soil and sunny positions

• Deadhead to encourage continuous flowering

German Chamomile – Seeds (Matricaria recutita)

Bring calm and fragrance to your garden with German Chamomile, a charming annual herb prized for its daisy-like white flowers and soothing aroma. Traditionally used for herbal teas and natural remedies, this variety is easy to grow, highly productive, and also attracts pollinators to your garden. A perfect choice for herb beds, borders, and pots.

How to Grow

. Sow indoors from February to April, lightly pressing seeds onto the surface of moist compost – do not cover as they need light to germinate
. Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost, spacing 20–25 cm apart
. Alternatively, sow outdoors directly in April to May in well-drained soil
. Prefers a sunny position with average to light soil
. Water sparingly, as chamomile thrives in slightly dry conditions

Key Features

. Delicate white blooms with yellow centers
. Traditional herb for calming teas and remedies
. Attracts bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects
. Easy to grow, tolerant of poor soils
. Ideal for borders, herb gardens, and containers

Ideal For

. Herbal tea lovers and home remedies
. Pollinator-friendly gardens
. Cottage gardens and borders
. Container growing

Sowing & Harvest

. Sow: February – May
. Harvest: June – September

Quick Tip

Harvest flowers on warm, dry days and dry them for homemade chamomile tea with the best flavor and aroma.