• Type: Perennials, Groundcovers
• Height: Short 6" (Plant 12" apart)
• Bloom Time: Early Spring to Late Spring
• Sun-Shade: Full Sun to Mostly Shady
• Soil Condition: Normal, Clay, Acidic
• Flower Color / Accent: Blue / Blue

This hardy perennial is extremely fragrant violet of romance. Deepest violet flowers in spring please both eyes and nose. Lush in growth with heart-shaped leaves that remain evergreen.

Flowers from this lovely little violet. Sweet Violets have always been a cottage garden favourite, also were grown for perfume in an earlier time. First introduced into cultivation in Germany in 1900. This little charmer is perfect for a semi-shady spot under shrubs.

Height up to 6in (15cm)

Sowing:
Sow in late summer/autumn and late winter/late spring.
Keep seeds chilled until you are ready to sow. Do not sow with high temperatures.
Spring sowings will give flowers during early summer, whilst summer and autumn sowings will bloom the following winter or spring.

For Autumn Sowing:
Sieve 10 to 25% sand with compost mixture, to give a little drainage. Sieve the compost into pots or cell packs and press it down lightly. Make a small indentation with your finger and pop the seeds into it. Cover lightly with more sieved soil.
Place the containers in a cold greenhouse, outside in a cold frame or plunge them up to the rims in a shady part of the garden border and cover with glass or clear plastic.
Some of the seeds may germinate during the spring and summer and these should be transplanted when large enough to handle. The remainder of the seeds may lay dormant until next spring.

For Spring Sowing:
Seeds can be left to go through the seasons naturally as above, or, if planting at any other time of year, germination can be hastened by imitating the seasons
Sow seeds as above and leave for 2-4 weeks. Transplant any seedlings that may have germinated. Then chill the remaining seeds: put the tray into the refrigerator at -4°C to +4°C (24-39°F), or somewhere with a similar temperature for 6 to 8 weeks. Then remove to around 10°C (50°F)
The normal temperature of a fridge is 4°C (very useful!).

Don’t put the seeds into the freezer, it will kill them.

Cultivation:
When seedlings have their first pair of “true” leaves and are large enough to handle, transplant into 7.5cm (3in) pots.

Pot on year-old seedlings and grow on in well ventilated conditions for another year before planting outside permanently.
Plant the tubers 3cm to 5cm (1in to-2in) deep in humus-rich soil under the shade of trees. Plant 20cm (8”) apart and water well until established..
Mulch annually with leaf mould to help prevent the tubers from drying out in the summer and from winter cold.

Aftercare:
Remove spent flowers to prolong the flowering season. If the plants are cut back after flowering they will flower again in late summer.

Division:
Plants can be divide in the autumn or just after flowering. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions, though we have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are established. Plant them out in the summer or the following spring.

Suitable for the Garden, vegetable garden, allotments, borders and containers. 

Be prepared to water well and supplement feed with high-potash feed during season. Regular feeding is recommended.

Seeds per Pack (approx.): 40

Verbesina 'Helianthoides' Flower Seeds

Family: Compositae

Plant Classification: Hardy perennial

Height(approx.): 3ft

Description:

Dividing stems carry numerous bright golden daisies with sharply pointed petals in early and midsummer on this lovely and very unusual mid-border flower.

Sowing advice:

For best results, sow seeds onto a good soil-based compost. Cover the seeds with fine grit or compost to approximately their own depth. We recommend germinating at 15 to 20 degrees C. Although they can be sown at any time, these seeds may sometimes wait for spring before emerging, but spring sowing will obviously give them a full season of growth.

Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots. Plant in the greenhouse in individual large pots, or 3 plants per grow bag when 20cm (8in) high. Can be planted outdoors, 45cm (18in) apart once all frost risk has passed

Suitable for the vegetable garden, allotments and containers

Be prepared to water well and supplement feed with high-potash feed during season. Regular feeding is recommended.

Packet Content (approx.): 10

Common name: Blue Poppy, Himalayan Poppy

This quite reliable perennial is far superior to Meconopsis betonicifolia. It has enormous deep cobalt blue flowers, up to four inches across, and is certainly the best blue poppy ever available. It multiplies up each year into a massive golden-haired clump which can be divided to increase the size of the bed. In a shady spot with organic-enriched soil a bed of these plants make an unbelievable sight. We challenge you to grow these gorgeous plants, and we will gladly buy seed back from you or exchange it for seeds from our catalogue.

SOWING ADVICE:

Seeds can be sown at any time, but for a full season of growth are best sown in trays early spring. Cover seeds very thinly, in a cool spot no artificial heat is needed as this can cause rapid GERMINATION AND FUNGAL ATTACK, OR EVEN MAKE THE SEEDS GO MORE DEEPLY DORMANT. Seedlings usually appear within 3 to 6 weeks but can take much longer. Pot on into 3 inch pots with cover to protect from hot sun. Plant out into a shaded, moist peaty or organic soil.

• Colour: Blue
• Flowering: May - July
• Height: 75CM Spread: 50cm
• Position: Sunny / Well-Drained Soil

Suitable for the Garden, vegetable garden, allotments, borders and containers. 

Be prepared to water well and supplement feed with high-potash feed during season. Regular feeding is recommended.

Packet Content (approx.): 75

Family: Iridaceae
Plant Classification: Hardy perennial
Minimum Height: 15 cm
Maximum Height: 30 cm

A huge well-filled, very generous packet containing a mixture of our white, yellow, blue and violet species (but excluding S. striatum). Simply sprinkle onto a gravel path or drab area for inexpensive and perpetual colour from these colourful dwarf iris relatives.

Sowing Advice:

ALTHOUGH SEEDS CAN BE SOWN AT ANY TIME, THEY MAY BE BEST SOWN IN WINTER OR EARLY SPRING AS THEY BENEFIT FROM A COLD SPELL IN THE WET COMPOST AFTER SOWING TO BREAK THEIR DORMANCY. WE ADVISE COVERING SEEDS VERY THINLY INDEED WITH SAND OR FINE GRIT, A GOOD GUIDE IS ABOUT THE DEPTH OF THE SEED SIZE. THEY MAY ALSO BE SOWN AT ANY TIME AND IF THE SEEDS DO NOT COME UP WITHIN 6 TO 12 WEEKS THE DAMP SEED TRAY CAN BE GIVEN COLD TREATMENT IN A FRIDGE FOR ABOUT FOUR WEEKS. THESE SEEDS MAY STILL TAKE MANY MONTHS, SOMETIMES MORE THAN A YEAR TO APPEAR, SO PLEASE NEVER DISCARD THE POT OR TRAY.

Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots. Plant in the greenhouse in individual large pots, or 3 plants per growbag when 20cm (8in) high. Can be planted outdoors, 45cm (18in) apart once all frost risk has passed

Suitable for the vegetable garden, allotments and containers

Be prepared to water well and supplement feed with high-potash feed during season. Regular feeding is recommended.

Packet Content (approx.): 15

Family: Liliaceae
Plant Classification: Hardy bulb
Minimum Height: 1.8 meters
Maximum Height: 2.4 meters

The "Giant Yunnan Lily" is a stately giant, producing two inch thick stems, with dinner plate sized leaves above which open numerous eight inch green and white waxy, very fragrant trumpets, followed by enormous "everlasting", toothed seed-pods when dried. A fantastic plant in all respects.

Sow in trays, pots, etc of good seed compost in a propagator or warm place to maintain an optimum temperature of 55-60F (13-15C). Sowing Depth: 1/16in (1.5mm). Sow February to July. Germination can be very slow. After sowing in a pot of peaty compost, seal in a polythene bag and leave at 55-65F (13-18C) for 2-3 weeks. Then place in a refrigerator (not freezer) for 3-6 weeks, after which return to recommended germination temperature. Keep the compost moist at all times.
Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots. Grow on in a cold frame and plant out the following spring into a nursery bed and grow on for 3-4 years before planting into final site 90cm (3ft) apart.

Suitable for the vegetable garden, allotments and containers.
Be prepared to water well and supplement feed with high-potash feed during season. Regular feeding is recommended.

Packet Content (approx.): 150

Family: Campanulaceae
Common name: Wide-leaved Bellflower
Plant Classification: Hardy perennial
Minimum Height: 90 cm
Maximum Height: 1.2 meters

Stout spires of very large, deep violet purple bells open in spring and early summer. This is the darkest and finest form of this gorgeous flower from high in the Himalayas.

Sowing Advice:

Sow the seeds on the surface of a good quality seed compost and cover lightly with compost/Vermiculite.
Place inside a propagator/Polythene bag until germination occurs at 15 - 20 Deg C
Germination can take upto 3 months and over
 

DO NOT EXCLUDE LIGHT OR ALLOW THE COMPOST TO DRY OUT.
 

Transplant into 3" pots when large enough to handle and then gradually acclimatise to outside conditions prior to planting out.
 

The seed can also be sown outside where it is to flower approx 2 mm deep
Thin to about 12" apart,
The plants will flower the following year.

Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots. Plant in the greenhouse in individual large pots, or 3 plants per growbag when 20cm (8in) high. Can be planted outdoors, 45cm (18in) apart once all frost risk has passed

Suitable for the Garden, vegetable garden, allotments, borders and containers.

Be prepared to water well and supplement feed with high-potash feed during season. Regular feeding is recommended.

Packet Content: 50

A superb mix of a traditional favourite, with tall stems that are ideal for cutting, and delicate flowers in a wide range of shapes and colours.

Family: Ranunculaceae
Plant Classification: Hardy perennial
Minimum Height: 45 cm
Maximum Height: 90 cm

Sowing Advice:
For best results, sow seeds onto a good soil-based compost. Cover the seeds with fine grit or compost to approximately their own depth. They can be sown at any time, and although germination can be quicker if kept at 15 to 20 degrees C, we sow most seeds in an unheated greenhouse and wait for natural germination as many seeds wait for spring before emerging regardless of when they are sown. Spring sowing will obviously give them a full season of growth.

Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots. Plant in the greenhouse in individual large pots, or 3 plants per grow bag when 20cm (8in) high. Can be planted outdoors, 45cm (18in) apart once all frost risk has passed

Suitable for the vegetable garden, allotments and containers.
Be prepared to water well and supplement feed with high-potash feed during season. Regular feeding is recommended.

Packet Content (approx.): 35

(Japanese Grass/Sedge)
 

Hardy Perennial Grass
Family: Cyperaceae

A delectable new grass from Japan. Superb spring foliage emerges in shades of pink and bronze, darkening later. Unlike any pictures we have been able to research, but this new grass is absolutely superb whatever its true identity.

SOIL-BASED COMPOST. COVER SEEDS THINLY AND KEEP MOIST AT AROUND 15 DEGREES C OR 60 DEGREES F. SOME SPECIES CAN BE VERY SLOW INDEED AND MAY NEED COOLER TEMPERATURES BEFORE THEY WILL COME UP. GRASS SEEDLINGS SHOULD BE POTTED ON AND GROWN ON SINGLY, OR IN CLUMPS FOR MORE RAPID ESTABLISHMENT OF A LARGE SPECIMEN.

Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots. Plant in the greenhouse in individual large pots, or 3 plants per grow bag when 20cm (8in) high. Can be planted outdoors, 45cm (18in) apart once all frost risk has passed.

Suitable for the vegetable garden, allotments and containers.
Be prepared to water well and supplement feed with high-potash feed during season. Regular feeding is recommended.

Packet Content (approx.): 100 (0.05g's)

Campanula Moesiaca - is Very Rare Bellflower

A rare and extremely beautiful plant from the Balkans. Bright ice-blue bellflowers are carried in tufts up thick hairy stems. Gently self-seeds producing gorgeous drifts in spring. Greatly admired by an appreciative Roy Lancaster when he visited.

Your opportunity to purchase rarely offered, campanula fresh seed. This is a lovely form of bellflower from the Balkans, with rosettes of pale-lilac flowers on hairy stems. Biennial or short-lived perennial, but will self-sow. Height up to 18in (45cm) approx. Flowering May-June.

Culture: Sow late winter, spring and summer under glass in gentle heat.

Campanula moesiaca seeds will usually germinate in 14-28 days. Normally will only germinate with light so surface sow. Sow Campanula moesiaca seeds on the surface of a Peaty seed sowing mix at about 15-20°C.

Sow on the surface of moist compost, use a translucent cover to allow light in and to keep the compost humid and warm (do not place in direct sunlight)

Flowers July-September.

Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots. Plant in the greenhouse in individual large pots, or 3 plants per grow bag when 20cm (8in) high. Can be planted outdoors, 45cm (18in) apart once all frost risk has passed

Suitable for the vegetable garden, allotments and containers.

Be prepared to water well and supplement feed with high-potash feed during season. Regular feeding is recommended.

Packet Content (approx.): 15

Colour that's almost 2 metres high! And now Hollyhocks are even more colourful thanks to new Hollyhock 'Halo Mixed', with its glowing eyes to add contrast. These stunning cottage garden perennials make a beautiful cut flower for a vase indoors and the edible flowers can even be added to salads for an attractive, tasty treat. Recognised by the European Fleuroselect panel of experts with a novelty award too. Height: 180cm (71?). Spread: 60cm (24?).

Sow Hollyhock seed from February to July on the surface of a good seed compost, and cover with a light sprinkling of compost of vermiculite. Place in a propagator at a temperature of 15-21C (59-70F) or seal the seed tray inside a polythene bag until after germination, which usually takes 14- 21 days. Do not exclude light, as this helps germination.
 

When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant into 7.5cm (3") pots and grow on in cooler conditions. When Hollyhock plants are well grown and all risk of frost has passed, gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting outdoors. Grow Hollyhocks in full sun in any fertile, well drained soil. Choose a position that is sheltered from strong winds. Space hollyhock plants at least 60cm (24") apart to improve air circulation and help prevent hollyhock rust.

Suitable for the vegetable garden, allotments and containers.
Be prepared to water well and supplement feed with high-potash feed during season. Regular feeding is recommended.