Sowing & Growing

Early April to Early June is the recommended time for sowing in open ground or a cold frame. When thinning out seedlings, maintain a 5cm spacing. For transplanting, opt for September and October, spacing plants 30cm apart to ensure flowering throughout the following summer.

For hardy perennial flower seed sowing, prepare a weed-free nursery bed in advance. Choose a time for sowing when the soil is moist below the surface and somewhat dry on top, ensuring it doesn’t stick to your shoes. The soil should be crumbly and even. After a light treading, rake the surface and mark out drills or an area for scattering seeds. Rows should be approximately 30cm apart, and careful labeling is essential.

Sow the seeds thinly, aiming for a seed every 2cm (3/4″). Gently rake the soil to cover the seeds and firm it with the back of the rake. Water sparingly if the weather is dry, encouraging roots to grow deeper. When plants develop their first pair of true leaves, thin them to 10cm (4″) apart and firm the soil around the bases. In September or October, lift the plants with a trowel, ensuring a ball of soil accompanies the roots, and plant them in the flowering site. Gently water them in, and consider providing some protection from winter winds during the first year.