Sow in March

💜 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

Sunflower ‘Henry Wilde’ – 40 Seeds (Helianthus annuus)

A true classic among sunflowers, ‘Henry Wilde’ is loved for its tall, sturdy stems and large golden-yellow blooms that radiate summer warmth. This heirloom variety produces impressive flowers with deep brown centres, making it a favourite for cottage gardens, cutting gardens, and wildlife-friendly landscapes.

‘Henry Wilde’ is an easy-to-grow, reliable sunflower ideal for gardeners of all experience levels. Its bold height and vibrant colour make it a perfect backdrop in borders, along fences, or as a statement plant in any sunny spot.

Features & Benefits

• Tall and statuesque – reaches 1.8–2.2 m

• Large golden-yellow blooms with classic sunflower form

• Excellent cut flower – long, strong stems and great vase life

• Loved by pollinators – attracts bees, butterflies & beneficial insects

• Bird-friendly – seeds are enjoyed by goldfinches and other wild birds

• Easy and dependable – vigorous, fast-growing heirloom variety

Growing Information

• Sowing Time: March–June

• Germination: 7–14 days at 18–22°C

• Flowering: July–September

• Position: Full sun

• Height: 180–220 cm

• Spacing: 30–45 cm

• Soil: Fertile, well-drained; keep evenly moist

How to Grow

Sow seeds directly into the garden after the last frost, planting 1–2 cm deep. For an earlier start, sow individually in pots indoors and transplant once seedlings are strong. Provide support in windy locations. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, to encourage strong stems and big blooms.

Ideal For

• Back borders & cottage gardens

• Cutting gardens

• Wildlife and pollinator gardens

• Creating natural summer screens

• Children’s gardening projects

Alyssum 'New Carpet of Snow' Seeds (Lobularia maritima)

Alyssum 'New Carpet of Snow' is a classic, compact annual producing a dense carpet of pure white, honey-scented blooms. Its neat, spreading growth makes it one of the most popular edging plants, creating a bright and fragrant border along paths, beds, and rock gardens. The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, making it both beautiful and beneficial in the garden.

What Makes It Special

• Pure white, sweetly scented flowers

• Compact and neat, perfect for edging and ground cover

• Long-flowering from spring through autumn

• Easy to grow and drought-tolerant once established

Key Features

• Botanical name: Lobularia maritima

• Variety: 'New Carpet of Snow'

• Seed count: Approx. seeds per pack

• Height/Spread: 10–15 cm tall, 20–30 cm spread

• Position: Full sun to partial shade; thrives in well-drained soil

• Flowering period: May–September

Ideal For

• Edging borders and pathways

• Rock gardens and gravel beds

• Window boxes, planters, and hanging baskets

• Pollinator-friendly and low-maintenance gardens

Sowing Instructions

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

2. How to sow:

   • Sow seeds thinly on the soil surface and press gently down (do not cover, needs light to germinate)

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

3. Transplanting: Thin seedlings to 10–15 cm apart when large enough to handle

4. Care: Keep soil moist but well-drained; deadhead to prolong flowering.

California Poppy ‘Purple Gleam’ – Seeds (Eschscholzia californica)

California Poppy ‘Purple Gleam’ (Eschscholzia californica) is a striking variety with silky lilac-pink flowers that glow in the sun. This hardy, drought-tolerant annual thrives in poor soils and is perfect for borders, rockeries, and wildflower meadows. Flowering from summer into autumn, it brings long-lasting color while attracting bees and butterflies. Easy to grow and self-seeding, it will return year after year with minimal effort.

Why Grow "Purple Gleam"

• Unique lilac-pink flowers with a shimmering finish

• Long flowering season from summer to autumn

• Hardy, drought-tolerant, and low-maintenance

• Attracts bees, butterflies, and pollinators

Key Features

• Type: Hardy annual (Eschscholzia californica)

• Height: 20–30 cm

• Flowering: Summer to autumn

• Position: Full sun

• Uses: Borders, rockeries, meadows, containers, pollinator gardens

Ideal For

• Naturalistic and wildflower-style gardens

• Adding soft, unusual color to borders and beds

• Rockeries and container planting

• Easy, low-maintenance seasonal color

Sowing & Growing

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

• Germination: 14–21 days

• Thin seedlings: 15–20 cm apart

• Prefers poor to moderately fertile, well-drained soil

• Self-seeds freely for natural displays

“Blindeyes” Poppy – Seeds (Papaver dobium)

Description:
Add delicate charm to your garden with “Blindeyes” Poppy (Papaver dobium). This striking annual produces elegant, cup-shaped blooms in shades of white or pale pink with a dark central “eye,” giving it its distinctive name. Perfect for borders, cottage gardens, and wildflower meadows, these poppies attract pollinators and bring a soft, whimsical touch to any garden. Easy to grow from seed and long-flowering, they are ideal for both naturalistic and formal plantings.

Key Features

• Elegant cup-shaped blooms with a dark central “eye”

• Annual variety, easy to grow from seed

• Long-lasting blooms from late spring to summer

• Attracts bees and pollinators

• Adds delicate charm to borders and meadows

Ideal For

• Borders and mixed flower beds

• Cottage and wildflower gardens

• Pollinator-friendly plantings

• Naturalistic or whimsical garden displays

Sowing & Growing

• Sow Outdoors: March–April

• Germination: 7–14 days at 15–20°C

• Height: 40–50 cm

• Spacing: 20–25 cm apart

• Light: Full sun

• Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile

Care Tips

• Water lightly until seedlings establish

• Deadhead faded flowers to encourage prolonged blooming

• Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot

• Allow some self-seeding for future seasons

🌸 Petunia grandiflora Dwarf Gnome F1 ‘Red Veined’ – Compact Hybrid Petunia with Striking Veined Flowers

‘Dwarf Gnome F1 Red Veined’ is a premium grandiflora petunia hybrid producing large, eye-catching blooms in rich red shades highlighted by distinctive darker veining. The plants are compact, uniform and well-branched, making them ideal for containers, window boxes, borders and bedding displays. Thanks to its F1 vigour, this variety offers excellent flower size, strong colour intensity and reliable garden performance throughout the summer season.

Key Features

● Large grandiflora flowers with bold red veining

● Compact, dwarf habit with uniform growth

● F1 hybrid for improved vigour and performance

● Long flowering season from late spring to autumn

● Ideal for pots, containers, borders and bedding

How to Sow & Grow Petunia ‘Dwarf Gnome F1 Red Veined’ (UK)

Sow indoors: II–III (February–March)

Transplant outdoors: V–VI (May–June) after last frost

Direct outdoors: Not recommended

Flowering: VI–X (June–October)

Life cycle: Annual

Germination temperature: 20–22 °C (68–72 °F)

Average germ time: 7–14 days

Depth: Surface sow – do not cover; gently press into compost (light required)

Light required: Yes

Moisture: Keep soil evenly moist

Environment: Full sun (tolerates light shade)

Soil type: Fertile, well-drained compost or soil

Plant spacing: 20–25 cm (8–10 in)

Height: 20–25 cm (8–10 in)

Sowing & Growing Tips (variety-specific)

● Start early under cover for the longest flowering display.

● Provide good light during seedling stage to prevent stretching.

● Feed regularly once flowering begins for best results.

● Deadhead lightly or trim to maintain a neat appearance.

● Protect young plants from cold and wind.

Special Features

● Decorative veined flower pattern

● Compact grandiflora petunia ideal for small spaces

● High-quality F1 hybrid with reliable results

🌸 Petunia grandiflora F1 ‘Blue Veined’ – Large-Flowered Hybrid with Striking Veined Blooms

Petunia grandiflora F1 ‘Blue Veined’ is an eye-catching large-flowered petunia hybrid producing bold blue to violet blooms highlighted with distinctive darker veining. The flowers are large and showy, creating strong visual impact in containers, hanging baskets, window boxes and bedding displays. Thanks to F1 hybrid vigour, plants are uniform, free-flowering and reliable, performing well throughout the summer season when given sun and regular feeding.

Key Features

● Large grandiflora flowers with decorative blue veining

● F1 hybrid for strong growth and uniform plants

● Long flowering season from early summer to autumn

● Excellent for containers, baskets and bedding

● High ornamental value with intense colour contrast

How to Sow & Grow Petunia ‘Blue Veined’ (UK)

Sow indoors: II–III (February–March)

Transplant outdoors: V–VI (May–June) after last frost

Direct outdoors: Not recommended

Flowering: VI–X (June–October)

Life cycle: Annual

Germination temperature: 20–22 °C (68–72 °F)

Average germ time: 7–14 days

Depth: Surface sow – do not cover; gently press into compost (light required)

Light required: Yes

Moisture: Keep soil evenly moist

Environment: Full sun (tolerates light shade)

Soil type: Fertile, well-drained compost or soil

Plant spacing: 20–25 cm (8–10 in)

Height: 25–30 cm (10–12 in)

Sowing & Growing Tips (variety-specific)

● Start early under cover for the longest flowering period.

● Provide good light to prevent stretching at seedling stage.

● Feed regularly once flowering begins.

● Remove spent flowers or trim lightly to keep plants tidy.

● Protect young plants from cold and strong winds.

Special Features

● Striking veined flower pattern

● Premium F1 hybrid quality

● Excellent summer performance in containers

Black Peony Poppy – Seeds (Papaver paeoniflorum)

Black Peony Poppy (Papaver paeoniflorum) is a striking annual known for its large, double-layered deep black blooms. Its dramatic flowers create a bold statement in borders, cottage gardens, and cutting gardens. Easy to grow and long-flowering, this poppy adds a unique, elegant touch while attracting pollinators to your garden.

Why Grow "Black Peony Poppy"

• Large, double deep black blooms

• Long flowering period from late spring to early summer

• Adds a dramatic, elegant accent to gardens

• Attracts bees and butterflies

Key Features

• Type: Annual (Papaver paeoniflorum)

• Height: 50–70 cm

• Flowering: May–July

• Position: Full sun

• Uses: Borders, cottage gardens, cutting gardens, pollinator-friendly planting

Ideal For

• Dramatic focal points in borders and beds

• Cottage-style and romantic gardens

• Cutting gardens for unique bouquets

• Pollinator-friendly gardens

Sowing & Growing

• Sow outdoors: March–May directly in prepared soil

• Germination: 10–20 days at 15–20°C

• Thin seedlings to 20–30 cm apart

• Prefers full sun and well-drained soil

• Deadhead to prolong flowering

🌸 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