Bishy Barnabee’s Cottage Garden

Annual Flower Seeds

130 cottage garden seeds, grown and trialled on our Norfolk farm

Quick picks
Sow this monthAutumn favouritesCut flowersFor the vasePollinatorsBees and butterfliesHardy annualsAutumn-sow readyEasy to growFirst-time friendlyUnder £2.50Stock up favourites
130 products
In a garden with colorful planters and purple flowers, someone holds a large bundle of fresh green Bells of Ireland from Bishy Barnabees Cottage Garden Ltd, wearing a sleeveless gray polka dot dress.
Annual

Bells of Ireland

Stiff upright spires lined from top to bottom…

Sow: Feb–Apr · Sep–Oct
£2.20 View
A close-up of a white and pale yellow butterfly perched on a cluster of Didiscus Blue Lace flowers from Bishy Barnabees Cottage Garden, with green foliage and another blurred flower bud in the background.
Annual

Didiscus Blue Lace

Flat lacy umbels in soft powder-blue on slender stems at 45 to 60cm

Sow: Feb–Apr
£2.50 View
Close-up of Bishy Barnabees Cottage Garden's Poppy Black Peony with dark burgundy, ruffled blooms, green foliage, and stems against a blue sky. Perfect for dried flower arrangements.
Annual

Poppy Black Peony

Huge fully double blooms in a velvety maroon…

Sow: Mar–May · Aug–Sep
£2.20 View
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Growing annual flowers — your questions answered

When should I sow annual flower seeds?

Most half-hardy annuals are sown indoors from late February to April, then transplanted outside once the risk of frost has passed. Hardy annuals can be sown directly outdoors from March onwards, or autumn-sown in September and October for stronger, earlier plants the following year.

What is the difference between hardy and half-hardy annuals?

Hardy annuals (HA) can withstand frost and cold conditions, so they can be sown directly outside or overwintered as young plants. Half-hardy annuals (HHA) need warmth to germinate and are killed by frost, so they are usually started indoors and only planted out after the last spring frost.

Can I sow annual seeds in autumn?

Yes — hardy annuals like cornflowers, larkspur, ammi majus, and sweet peas thrive when autumn-sown. They establish stronger root systems over winter and reward you with bigger plants and earlier flowers the following summer. Sow in modules and overwinter in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse for best results.

Which annuals are best for cut flowers?

For a productive cutting patch, look for varieties with long stems, vase life, and the ability to keep flowering when picked. Cosmos, zinnias, ammi majus, scabious, sweet peas, snapdragons, and cornflowers are all reliable performers. The more you cut, the more they bloom.