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  • Viola Bunny Ears

    Viola Bunny Ears

    £3.90
  • Viola Cornuta Large Flower Mix

    Viola Cornuta Large Flower Mix

    £2.25
  • Viola Pot Pouri Mix

    Viola Pot Pouri Mix

    £2.90
  • Wallflower Cloth of Gold

    Wallflower Cloth of Gold

    £2.05
  • Wallflower Fair Lady

    Wallflower Fair Lady

    £2.20
  • Wallflower Fire King

    Wallflower Fire King

    £2.05
  • Wallflower Ivory White

    Wallflower Ivory White

    £2.05
  • Wallflower Ruby Gem

    Wallflower Ruby Gem

    £2.15
  • Zinnia Art Deco

    Zinnia Art Deco

    £2.80
  • Zinnia Giants of California

    Zinnia Giants of California

    £2.20
  • Zinnia Green Envy

    Zinnia Green Envy

    £2.15
  • Zinnia Lilliput Mix

    Zinnia Lilliput Mix

    £2.00
  • Zinnia Queeny Mix

    Zinnia Queeny Mix

    £3.50

Growing flowers from seed — your questions answered

Where do I start if I am new to growing flowers from seed?

Begin with hardy annuals — they are forgiving, fast, and rewarding. Cornflowers, calendula, nigella, and cosmos all germinate readily, grow quickly, and flower within 10 to 12 weeks of sowing. Sow direct into prepared soil from March onwards, water gently, and thin the seedlings once they are a few centimetres tall.

What is the difference between annuals, biennials, and perennials?

Annuals complete their life cycle in one year — sow, grow, flower, set seed, done. Biennials take two years, growing leaves in year one and flowering in year two. Perennials live for many years, returning each spring from established roots. A well-stocked cottage garden uses all three for continuity and variety.

When is the best time of year to sow?

March to May is the busiest sowing window for most flower seeds in the UK. Hardy annuals can be sown earlier (autumn or February) and half-hardy ones a little later. Biennials are sown in summer for the following year. Perennials can be sown almost any time but spring gives them the longest growing season.

Do I need a greenhouse to grow flowers from seed?

No — plenty of cottage garden favourites are sown directly outdoors. A bright windowsill, cold frame, or unheated greenhouse will widen your options and let you start half-hardy and tender plants earlier, but it is by no means essential. Many seasoned growers start everything outdoors and accept a slightly later season.