Flower seeds for unusual borders, pots and climbers.
Nearly 150 flowering species, from the Climbing Alstroemeria (Bomarea multiflora) and Sweet Sultan (Amberboa moschata) to English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Honeywort (Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens') and spectacular passionflowers.
Most annual flowers are easy: sow them in spring at 18–22 °C and expect seedlings in one to three weeks. Two details make the difference. First, depth: fine seed must stay on or just under the surface, while larger seed goes two to three times its width deep. Second, dormancy: some perennials, lavender included, germinate much better after three to four weeks of cold, moist stratification in the fridge.
Sow in a light, sterile seed mix, keep it moist but not wet, and give seedlings plenty of light so they do not stretch.
Sow annuals indoors six to eight weeks before your last frost, or outdoors once the soil has warmed. In mild climates, many species can also be sown in autumn.
Indoors gives you more control over temperature and moisture, especially for rare or slow species.
Small seeds carry little energy and only germinate near the surface, where light reaches them. Covering them is the most common reason they fail.
Learn more: Light or dark: which seeds you must never bury
