Linaria 'Fairy Bouquet Mix' Seeds

If you love the snapdragon flower shape but need something petite, 'Fairy Bouquet' is the answer. This wonderful annual produces hundreds of miniature, two-lipped, velvety flowers clustered tightly on airy spikes. The mix features a dazzling kaleidoscope of colours, including pink, purple, white, yellow, and apricot.

At just 20-30cm tall, it is perfect for the very front edge of the border, rockeries, or containers. The fine, feathery foliage is almost invisible, making the flowers look like a cloud of pure colour floating just above the soil line.

Why Your Garden Needs 'Fairy Bouquet Mix'

We love this plant for its instant impact. It is a true "fill-and-forget" annual that covers the ground quickly, suppressing weeds and providing a continuous display of dense colour from early summer onwards.

It is also a fantastic pollinator plant, despite its size. The tiny, closed lips of the flowers require small bees and insects to push their way in, making it a valuable source of nectar and pollen for smaller garden visitors.

Understanding the Plant: What is a Hardy Annual?

Linaria is a Hardy Annual.

This means it lives for one season and can handle cold soil.
The Strategy: Linaria has a deep taproot and hates being moved, so direct sowing is essential for success.
Top Tip: Shear it back! After the first heavy flush of flowers starts to fade (usually mid-summer), give the plants a harsh cut back. This will encourage them to re-sprout and produce a second wave of blooms.

Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow

Linaria is easy, but it needs to stay put once sown.

🌱 Germination:
Sow directly outdoors from March to May (for summer flowering) or in September (for very early flowering next spring). Scatter the seeds thinly over a prepared patch of soil. Press them down gently but **do not cover them**—the seeds need light to germinate. Germination is quick, usually 10-14 days.

Where to Sow:
They thrive in full sun and require well-drained soil. They are ideal for hot, dry spots on banks, rockeries, or lining sunny paths.

Care While Growing:
They are low maintenance. They require regular watering when first establishing, but are drought tolerant once mature. Avoid rich soil, as this encourages too much foliage growth and fewer flowers.

Plant Specifications

Here is a quick reference guide to the key features.

My Recommended Garden Companions

Linaria works best with partners that provide either high contrast or a complementary low-growing texture:

• 🔥 French Marigold 'Red Cherry': A vibrant, sun-loving partnership. The compact, deep mahogany marigolds contrast beautifully with the delicate, pastel Linaria, creating a rich, multi-textured front edge.
• 🎀 Gypsophila repens 'Rosea': Both plants love sun and excellent drainage. The low, sprawling habit of the perennial Gypsophila provides a permanent framework for the Linaria to mingle and weave through.

📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar

Sow directly outdoors in spring for the best results.

(↔️ Swipe chart to see all months)