Sow in May

🌼 Cerastium tomentosum Snow-in-Summer – Hardy Perennial Ground Cover with Silvery-White Foliage

Snow-in-Summer is a classic low-growing perennial ground cover prized for its soft, silvery-white foliage and masses of bright white, star-shaped flowers that appear in late spring and early summer. Spreading quickly to form a dense mat, it is ideal for rock gardens, borders, slopes, edging, and gravel gardens. Extremely drought-tolerant once established and thriving in poor soils, this plant is valued for both its ornamental foliage and its carpet-like flowering display.

Key Features

● Masses of white flowers creating a “snowy” effect
● Attractive silver-white foliage all season
● Low-growing, spreading ground cover
● Very hardy and drought-tolerant
● Ideal for rock gardens, edging and dry areas

How to Sow & Grow Snow-in-Summer (UK)

Sow indoors: II–IV (February–April)
Transplant outdoors: IV–V (April–May)
Direct outdoors: IV–VI (April–June)
Flowering: V–VI (May–June)
Life cycle: Perennial
Germination temperature: 15–20 °C (59–68 °F)
Average germ time: 10–21 days
Depth: Surface sow – do not cover; press gently into soil (light required)
Light required: Yes
Moisture: Low to moderate
Environment: Full sun
Soil type: Well-drained, sandy or poor soil
Plant spacing: 25–30 cm (10–12 in)
Height: 15–20 cm (6–8 in)

Sowing & Growing Tips (variety-specific)

● Thrives in dry, sunny locations, where many plants struggle.
● Avoid rich, wet soils to prevent rot.
● Trim after flowering to maintain a neat, compact shape.
● Excellent choice for drought-tolerant and low-maintenance gardens.
● Spreads readily—ideal for filling gaps and slopes.

Special Features

● Classic silver-leaf perennial ground cover
● Excellent for pollinators in spring
● Very low maintenance once established

Purple Coneflower 'Starlight' – Seeds

(Echinacea purpurea)

Purple Coneflower 'Starlight' is a hardy perennial known for its striking lavender-purple petals surrounding a prominent orange-brown central cone. Its long-lasting blooms attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, while its robust, upright growth makes it a standout in borders, wildflower meadows, and perennial gardens. This variety is low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, perfect for sustainable planting.

Key Features

• Type: Perennial

• Height: 60–90 cm

• Spread: 40–50 cm

• Flowering: July–September

• Position: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile

Ideal For

• Perennial borders and cottage gardens

• Pollinator-friendly planting

• Cut flower arrangements

• Naturalized or meadow-style gardens

Sowing & Growing

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

• Sow outdoors: April–May, directly in soil

• Germination: 14–21 days

• Thin seedlings to 40–50 cm apart

• Mulch and water moderately; low-maintenance once established

Pot Marigold Dwarf ‘Sunset Buff’ – Apricot – 1,000 Seeds (Calendula officinalis)

The Dwarf Pot Marigold ‘Sunset Buff’ is a charming, compact variety producing apricot-peach blooms with soft golden undertones. Its warm pastel shades bring a unique elegance to beds, borders, and cottage gardens. Easy to grow and long-flowering, this hardy annual is also edible, with petals traditionally used to decorate salads or for natural dye.

Highlights

• Distinctive apricot–buff blooms with golden tones

• Compact, dwarf habit – perfect for pots and borders

• Long flowering season from early summer to autumn

• Attracts pollinators and beneficial insects

• Edible petals for salads and herbal uses

Key Features

• Botanical Name: Calendula officinalis

• Variety: Dwarf ‘Sunset Buff’ (Apricot)

• Seed Count: 1,000 seeds per pack

• Height/Spread: 25–30 cm tall, compact growth

• Position: Full sun, well-drained soil

• Flowering Period: June – October

Perfect For

• Bedding, borders, and cottage gardens

• Patio pots and containers

• Pollinator-friendly gardens

• Edible flower displays and herbal uses

Sowing Instructions

• Sow outdoors March–May or August–September for overwintering

• Sow directly into soil, lightly cover seeds

• Germination: 7–14 days

• Thin seedlings to 20–25 cm apart

• Deadhead regularly for prolonged flowering

Wild Bergamot – 1,300 Seeds (Monarda fistulosa)

Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) is a hardy perennial known for its fragrant lavender-pink blooms and aromatic foliage. A favorite of pollinators, it attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it perfect for pollinator gardens, borders, and wildflower meadows. Easy to grow and low-maintenance, it provides long-lasting color and texture from mid-summer to early autumn.

Why Grow "Wild Bergamot"

• Fragrant lavender-pink blooms

• Aromatic foliage with medicinal and culinary uses

• Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds

• Hardy and low-maintenance perennial

Key Features

• Type: Perennial (Monarda fistulosa)

• Height: 60–90 cm

• Flowering: July–September

• Position: Full sun to partial shade

• Uses: Pollinator gardens, borders, wildflower meadows, cottage gardens

Ideal For

• Pollinator-friendly gardens

• Cottage-style or naturalized borders

• Wildflower meadows

• Herbal and sensory gardens

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: February–April in trays

• Sow outdoors: April–May directly in prepared soil

• Germination: 10–20 days at 18–22°C

• Thin seedlings to 30–40 cm apart

• Prefers well-drained soil and full sun

• Deadhead to encourage prolonged flowering

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

Alpine Forget-Me-Not Mix Seeds (Myosotis alpestris)

The Alpine Forget-Me-Not Mix is a charming, low-growing perennial that produces masses of tiny star-shaped flowers in soft shades of blue, pink, and white. Known for their delicate beauty and sentimental symbolism, forget-me-nots are perfect for naturalizing in borders, rock gardens, and wildflower meadows. These compact plants are especially suited for alpine and cottage garden settings, where they create a cheerful carpet of spring color.

What Makes It Special

• Beloved for their dainty flowers and long-lasting symbolism of remembrance

• Compact, low-growing plants ideal for rock gardens and alpine beds

• Early-season blooms bring vibrant color to spring gardens

• Excellent for naturalizing and combining with tulips or daffodils

Key Features

• Botanical name: Myosotis alpestris

• Variety: Alpine Mix

• Height/Spread: 15–25 cm tall, 15–20 cm spread

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

• Flowering period: Spring to early summer

• Lifespan: Hardy perennial (often grown as biennial in some climates)

Ideal For

• Rock gardens and alpine beds

• Cottage gardens and wildflower meadows

• Spring bulb companions (daffodils, tulips)

• Borders, edging, and naturalized plantings

Sowing Instructions

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

2. How to sow:

   • Sow thinly in trays or directly in a prepared bed.

   • Cover lightly with fine soil or compost.

   • Keep soil moist until germination (1–3 weeks).

3. Transplant/Thin: Space plants 15–20 cm apart.

4. Care: Prefers cool, moist conditions. Allow some plants to self-seed for naturalized drifts.

Wild Marjoram – Oregano – Seeds (Origanum vulgare)

Wild Marjoram (Oregano) is a hardy perennial herb cherished for its fragrant leaves and delicate pink-purple flowers. A staple of Mediterranean cooking, oregano adds a rich, earthy flavor to pizzas, pasta, sauces, and roasted vegetables. Beyond the kitchen, its nectar-rich flowers are a magnet for bees and butterflies, making it a wonderful addition to herb gardens, borders, and pollinator-friendly spaces.

How to Grow

• Sow indoors: March – May in seed trays or pots.

• Transplant outdoors: After the last frost in a sunny, well-drained spot.

• Spacing: 25–30 cm apart.

• Oregano prefers light, well-drained soil and thrives in warm, sunny conditions.

Key Features

• Aromatic herb essential for Mediterranean cuisine

• Hardy perennial, easy to grow

• Attracts bees and butterflies with summer blooms

• Suitable for pots, containers, or borders

• Drought-tolerant once established

Ideal For

• Culinary herb gardens

• Fresh or dried use in cooking

• Pollinator-friendly borders

• Container growing on patios or balconies

Sowing & Harvest

• Sow: March – May

• Harvest: June – October (leaves can be harvested fresh or dried)

Quick Tip

For the most intense flavor, harvest oregano leaves just before flowering, and dry them in a cool, airy place.

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