Sow in May

Soapwort – Seeds (Saponaria ocymoides)

Soapwort (Saponaria ocymoides), also known as Rock Soapwort or Tumbling Ted, is a low-growing perennial that forms a carpet of bright pink, starry flowers from late spring through summer. Perfect for rock gardens, walls, or as ground cover, it’s easy to grow and attracts pollinators. Hardy and reliable, it’s ideal for creating long-lasting splashes of color in sunny spots.

Why Grow "Soapwort"

• Masses of bright pink, star-shaped flowers

• Hardy, low-maintenance perennial

• Spreading habit makes excellent ground cover

• Loved by bees and butterflies

Key Features

• Type: Perennial (Saponaria ocymoides)

• Height: 10–15 cm, spreading habit

• Flowering: May–July

• Position: Full sun

• Uses: Rock gardens, walls, ground cover, borders

Ideal For

• Rockeries and stone walls

• Low-maintenance ground cover

• Pollinator-friendly gardens

• Edging for sunny borders

Sowing & Growing

• Sow outdoors: March–May or September–October

• Sow direct in prepared soil, lightly cover

• Germination: 14–21 days

• Thin seedlings to 20–25 cm apart

• Prefers well-drained soil in sunny positions

Foxglove 'Excelsior' Mix Seeds (Digitalis purpurea – Biennial)

The Foxglove 'Excelsior' Mix is one of the most admired cottage garden classics, producing tall, elegant spires of tubular flowers in shades of rose, lavender, purple, cream, and white, often marked with speckled throats. Unlike traditional foxgloves, the Excelsior strain displays its flowers all around the stem, creating a fuller and more impressive floral column. As a biennial, it flowers in the second year after sowing and readily self-seeds for future displays.

What Makes It Special

• Traditional cottage garden favorite with tall, majestic flower spikes

• Excelsior strain bears blooms on all sides of the stem for maximum impact

• Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds

• Excellent cut flower and stunning for borders or woodland plantings

Key Features

• Botanical name: Digitalis purpurea

• Variety: 'Excelsior' Mix

• Height/Spread: 120–150 cm tall, 40–60 cm spread

• Position: Partial shade to sun; prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil

• Flowering period: Late spring to mid-summer (second year)

• Lifespan: Biennial, often self-seeds for naturalized displays

Ideal For

• Cottage and woodland-style gardens

• Back borders for height and structure

• Naturalizing in shaded areas

• Pollinator-friendly gardens

Sowing Instructions

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

2. How to sow:

   • Sow seeds on the surface of moist compost (do not cover – light aids germination).

   • Keep at 18–22°C until germination (14–30 days).

   • Transplant seedlings 45 cm apart in borders or beds.

3. Care: Water regularly, especially in dry spells. Remove spent flower spikes to extend blooming, or allow some to seed for natural regeneration.

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

Paper Daisy Everlasting Giant-Flowered Mixture Seeds

The Paper Daisy Everlasting produces large, vibrant, daisy-like blooms that retain their color and shape when dried. This easy-to-grow annual is perfect for fresh-cut arrangements, dried flower crafts, or adding bold, long-lasting color to garden beds and borders. Its mounding habit and sturdy stems make it a versatile addition to any garden.

What Makes It Special

• Large, colorful daisy-like blooms with excellent longevity

• Flowers dry naturally, perfect for everlasting arrangements

• Easy-to-grow, hardy, and low-maintenance

• Attracts bees and butterflies while adding bold color to borders

Key Features

• Botanical name: Helichrysum / Xerochrysum bracteatum

• Variety: Giant-flowered mixture

• Seed count: Approx. seeds per pack

• Height/Spread: 40–60 cm tall, 25–35 cm spread

• Position: Full sun; well-drained soil

• Flowering period: June–October

Ideal For

• Fresh-cut or dried flower arrangements

• Borders, beds, and cottage gardens

• Pollinator-friendly gardens

• Container displays and floral crafts

Sowing Instructions

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

2. How to sow:

   • Sow seeds on the surface of moist seed compost and press lightly; do not cover too deeply

   • Keep at 18–22°C; germination occurs in 10–14 days

3. Transplanting: Prick out seedlings when large enough; plant outside after frost

4. Care: Water regularly and remove faded flowers to encourage continuous blooming

Cream Peony Poppy – Seeds

(Papaver paeoniflorum)

The Cream Peony Poppy is an elegant annual variety producing large, fully double, peony-like blooms in a soft cream shade. These striking flowers add a touch of sophistication to any garden display and make a stunning addition to borders, cottage gardens, and cut flower arrangements. Easy to grow and highly ornamental, they will bloom through summer, creating a spectacular display.

Key Features

• Type: Hardy annual

• Height: 80–100 cm

• Spread: 30–40 cm

• Flowering: June–August

• Position: Full sun

• Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile

Ideal For

• Cottage gardens and wildflower plantings

• Cut flower arrangements

• Adding height and drama to summer borders

• Naturalistic planting schemes

Sowing & Growing

• Sow outdoors: March–May or September (direct into soil)

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

• Spacing: Thin seedlings to 25–30 cm apart

• Care: Prefers poor soil and little feeding; deadhead to prolong flowering or leave seed heads for structure

🌸 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

Rock Cress Cascade ‘Leichtlinii’ – Seeds

(Aubrieta cultorum)

Rock Cress Cascade ‘Leichtlinii’ is a hardy perennial that forms a dense, cascading mat of vibrant purple flowers in spring. Perfect for rockeries, walls, and borders, its low-growing habit and abundant blooms create a stunning floral carpet. It’s drought-tolerant, easy to grow, and attracts pollinators.

Why Grow Rock Cress ‘Leichtlinii’?

• Dense cascading growth with vibrant purple flowers

• Hardy perennial with long-lasting spring blooms

• Excellent for rockeries, walls, and borders

• Attracts bees and butterflies

Key Features

• Type: Perennial

• Height: 10–15 cm

• Flowers: Spring

• Position: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile

Ideal For

• Rockeries and alpine gardens

• Walls, slopes, and borders

• Pollinator-friendly plantings

• Low-maintenance groundcover

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: February–April in seed trays

• Sow outdoors: April–May directly in prepared soil

• Germination: 14–21 days at 18–20°C

• Spacing: 15–20 cm apart

• Care: Minimal maintenance; trim after flowering to maintain shape

Nasturtium 'Honolulu' Seeds (Tropaeolum nanum)

Nasturtium 'Honolulu' is a charming dwarf annual with bright, cheerful flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow. Its compact growth habit makes it ideal for containers, window boxes, and small garden beds. Easy to grow and low-maintenance, it adds a splash of vibrant color while attracting pollinators.

What Makes It Special

• Bright, cheerful blooms in red, orange, and yellow

• Compact, dwarf growth ideal for small spaces and containers

• Easy to grow and low-maintenance

• Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies

Key Features

• Botanical name: Tropaeolum nanum

• Variety: 'Honolulu'

• Seed count: Approx. seeds per pack

• Height/Spread: 15–25 cm tall, 20–30 cm spread

• Position: Full sun; well-drained soil

• Flowering period: June–September

Ideal For

• Containers, window boxes, and small garden beds

• Borders and edging

• Pollinator-friendly gardens

• Brightening patios and terraces

Sowing Instructions

1. When to sow: March–May indoors or outdoors

2. How to sow:

   • Sow seeds 1–2 cm deep in seed trays or directly in pots

   • Germination occurs in 7–14 days at 18–22°C

3. Transplanting: Plant seedlings outdoors after frost, spacing 15–20 cm apart

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

Love-in-a-Mist 'African Bride' – Seeds (Nigella damascena)

Grace your garden with the delicate beauty of Love-in-a-Mist 'African Bride'. This unique variety produces pure white blooms accented by dark, contrasting centers and fine, feathery foliage. Elegant and easy to grow, it’s perfect for borders, cutting, and drying.

Why Grow 'African Bride'

• Pure white blooms with striking dark centers

• Long-lasting as cut or dried flowers

• Easy to grow with airy, fern-like foliage

• Attracts pollinators

Key Features

• Type: Hardy annual (Nigella damascena)

• Height: 45–60 cm

• Flowering: June–September

• Position: Full sun

• Uses: Borders, cut flowers, dried arrangements

Ideal For

• Cottage gardens and wildflower borders

• Summer bouquets and wedding flowers

• Adding soft texture to plantings

• Wildlife-friendly gardens

Sowing & Growing

• Sow outdoors: March–May or August–September

• Direct sow into prepared soil, thin as needed

• Germination: 10–20 days

• Space plants 15–20 cm apart

• Prefers well-drained soil in full sun