Sow in May

🌸 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

Sweet Pea Extra Dwarf 'Little Sweetheart' Mix Seeds (Lathyrus odoratus)

A delightful, compact variety of sweet pea, 'Little Sweetheart' produces a charming mix of fragrant blooms in shades of pink, purple, lavender, red, and white. Unlike traditional climbing sweet peas, this extra dwarf mix forms neat, bushy plants that stay low and compact—perfect for borders, pots, and containers. Their sweet fragrance and bright colors make them a summer favorite.

Why Grow 'Little Sweetheart'

• Extra dwarf, bushy growth – no staking or trellising required

• Abundant, colorful blooms with classic sweet pea fragrance

• Ideal for borders, pots, and small gardens

Key Features

• Type: Hardy annual

• Height: 20–30 cm (extra dwarf)

• Flowering: June–September

• Position: Full sun

• Uses: Containers, borders, edging, cut flowers

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: February–April in pots or trays

• Sow outdoors: April–May in prepared soil

• Germination: 10–20 days at 15–20°C

• Plant out after frost, spacing 15–20 cm apart

• Keep soil moist, avoid waterlogging

Hollyhock ‘Chaters Double Triumph Mix’ Seeds (Althaea rosea)

A true cottage garden classic, the Hollyhock ‘Chaters Double Triumph Mix’ produces tall, stately flower spikes adorned with large, fully double blooms in a rich blend of colors – from soft pastels to vibrant shades. These majestic perennials (often grown as biennials) create a dramatic vertical accent at the back of borders, alongside walls, or in wildflower-style gardens.

What Makes It Special

• Stunning double blooms in a wide range of colors

• Impressive tall spires up to 1.8–2.5 m high

• Attracts bees, butterflies, and pollinators

• A long-standing favorite in cottage and traditional gardens

Key Features

• Botanical name: Althaea rosea

• Common name: Hollyhock Chaters Double Triumph Mix

• Seed count: Approx. per pack (customizable)

• Height/Spread: 180–250 cm tall, 50–60 cm spread

• Position: Full sun; well-drained fertile soil

• Flowering period: July – September (second year from sowing)

• Lifespan: Hardy biennial/perennial

Ideal For

• Cottage and traditional garden borders

• Planting against walls and fences

• Pollinator-friendly gardens

• Creating dramatic vertical height in displays

Sowing Instructions

1. When to sow: Indoors March–May or directly outdoors May–June.

2. How to sow:

   • Sow seeds thinly in trays or pots of moist seed compost, cover lightly.

   • Keep at 15–20°C for germination (14–21 days).

   • Transplant seedlings when large enough, spacing 45–60 cm apart.

3. Care: Provide support in exposed areas. Deadhead faded flowers to encourage further blooming.

Climbing Flower Mix – 3 g Seeds

Transform fences, trellises, and arches with this colorful Climbing Flower Mix. Including Mina (Spanish Flag), Sweet Pea, Cobaea (Cup-and-Saucer Vine), climbing beans, and Morning Glory, this blend offers a succession of vibrant flowers and lush foliage throughout summer. Easy to grow, fast-climbing, and perfect for vertical gardens.

Why Grow "Climbing Flower Mix"

• A vibrant blend of climbing annuals

• Covers fences, arches, and trellises quickly

• Long-lasting color all summer

• Attracts bees and pollinators

Key Features

• Type: Annual climbing flower mix

• Height: 1.5–3 m (varies by species)

• Flowering: June–October

• Position: Full sun

• Uses: Trellises, fences, arches, vertical gardening

Ideal For

• Vertical garden displays

• Brightening fences and walls

• Arches and pergolas

• Pollinator-friendly plantings

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: March–April in pots

• Sow outdoors: April–May after frost

• Germination: 7–21 days depending on species

• Provide strong support for climbing

• Regular watering encourages lush growth

Blue Lupine – Seeds (Lupinus angustifolius)

Blue Lupine (Lupinus angustifolius) is a stunning annual or short-lived perennial producing tall spikes of vivid blue pea-like flowers. Blooming from late spring to early summer, it adds vertical interest and vibrant color to borders, cottage gardens, and mixed flower beds. Hardy and easy to grow, this variety attracts bees and butterflies, making it perfect for pollinator-friendly gardens and long-lasting summer displays.

Why Grow "Blue Lupine"

• Tall spikes of striking blue flowers

• Long flowering season from late spring to early summer

• Hardy, low-maintenance annual or short-lived perennial

• Pollinator-friendly and adds vertical interest

Key Features

• Type: Annual/Short-lived perennial (Lupinus angustifolius)

• Height: 60–90 cm

• Flowering: Late spring to early summer

• Position: Full sun

• Uses: Borders, cottage gardens, mixed flower beds, pollinator gardens

Ideal For

• Vertical color in borders and mixed beds

• Cottage-style gardens

• Pollinator-friendly planting schemes

• Long-lasting summer floral displays

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: February–April in trays or pots

• Sow outdoors: April–May after frost

• Germination: 14–21 days at 18–22°C

• Thin seedlings 25–30 cm apart

• Prefers well-drained soil in full sun

• Mulch in winter for protection in colder regions

Pansy Swiss Giant ‘Pink’ Seeds (Viola wittrockiana)

A charming pansy variety with large soft pink blooms and a subtle dark center, Swiss Giant ‘Pink’ adds elegance and gentle color to garden beds, borders, and containers. Hardy and easy to grow, it provides long-lasting displays in spring and autumn.

What Makes It Special

• Large pastel-pink flowers with a delicate face

• Compact, hardy plants ideal for cool seasons

• Long flowering period for continuous color

Key Features

• Botanical name: Viola wittrockiana

• Hardy annual/biennial

• Height: 15–20 cm (6–8 in)

• Bloom time: Early spring and autumn

Ideal For

• Borders and flower beds

• Pots, containers, and window boxes

• Cool-season garden displays

Sowing

• Sow indoors Feb–Apr or outdoors May–Jun

• Lightly cover seeds with soil and keep moist

• Germination: 10–21 days at 15–20°C

• Transplant seedlings 15–20 cm apart

• Flowers in spring and autumn after sowing

Love-in-a-Mist 'Miss Jekyll' Double Mix Seeds (Nigella damascena)

Love-in-a-Mist 'Miss Jekyll' Double Mix is an elegant annual with double, papery blooms in shades of blue, white, and pink, surrounded by delicate feathery foliage. Its airy, cottage-garden charm makes it perfect for borders, containers, and cutting gardens. Loved for its intricate blooms and long flowering season, it adds whimsical beauty to any garden.

What Makes It Special

• Double, papery blooms in a mix of blue, white, and pink

• Delicate, feathery foliage creates an airy, cottage-garden effect

• Long-flowering and easy to grow

• Attracts pollinators and makes excellent cut flowers

Key Features

• Botanical name: Nigella damascena

• Variety: 'Miss Jekyll' Double Mix

• Seed count: Approx. seeds per pack

• Height/Spread: 30–40 cm tall, 15–20 cm spread

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

• Flowering period: June–September

Ideal For

• Borders and cottage gardens

• Containers and patio displays

• Cutting gardens and floral arrangements

• Pollinator-friendly gardens

Sowing Instructions

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

2. How to sow:

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

   • Germination occurs in 10–14 days at 15–20°C

3. Transplanting: Thin seedlings to 15–20 cm apart after germination

4. Care: Water moderately; deadhead for prolonged flowering

Snowland Daisy 'Pure White' Seeds (Chrysanthemum paludosum)

Add a touch of brightness to your garden with the charming Snowland Daisy 'Pure White'. These compact, bushy plants are covered with masses of pure white blooms and sunny yellow centers, creating a cheerful carpet of flowers. Perfect for edging, containers, or rock gardens, they provide long-lasting color throughout the summer.

What Makes It Special

• Masses of pure white blooms with golden centers

• Compact, low-growing habit for neat displays

• Excellent for borders, pots, and edging

Key Features

• Botanical name: Chrysanthemum paludosum

• Annual

• Height: 20–25 cm

• Blooming period: Summer to autumn

• Sun-loving and easy to grow

Ideal For

• Rock gardens and ground cover

• Patio pots and containers

• Flower bed edging and borders

Sowing

• Sow indoors from March–April or directly outdoors from May

• Cover lightly with soil, keep moist until germination (7–14 days at 18–20°C)

• Thin and transplant seedlings once large enough to handle

• Flowers from June onwards

Pot Marigold ‘Geisha Girl’ Seeds (Calendula officinalis)

A charming and easy-to-grow annual, Pot Marigold ‘Geisha Girl’ produces bright, double orange blooms with a cheerful, ruffled appearance. Hardy and long-flowering, this variety is perfect for borders, containers, and edible gardens, attracting pollinators while adding vibrant color from spring through autumn.

What Makes It Special

• Double, ruffled orange blooms with a striking presence

• Hardy and low-maintenance, ideal for novice gardeners

• Attracts bees and butterflies, supports pollinator-friendly gardens

Key Features

• Botanical name: Calendula officinalis

• Hardy annual

• Height: 30–40 cm (12–16 in)

• Bloom time: Spring to autumn

Ideal For

• Borders, beds, and edging

• Containers, pots, and window boxes

• Pollinator-friendly and edible gardens

Sowing

• Sow indoors Feb–Apr or outdoors Mar–May

• Cover lightly with soil and keep moist

• Germination: 7–14 days at 15–20°C

• Thin seedlings to 25–30 cm apart

• Flowers the same year after sowing