Bedding Plants

Bedding Plant FAQs

Take a look at some of the frequently asked questions we receive from those looking to buy Bedding Plants in the UK. You can contact our Customer Service Team or browse our general FAQs for further advice.

When to plant Bedding Plants

Plant bedding plants at the right time to ensure they thrive. Annual bedding plants, like petunias and marigolds, should be planted after the last frost date in late spring. Mid-season bedding plants, such as geraniums and begonias, can be planted from late spring to early summer. Hardy biennials and perennials, including pansies and primroses, are best planted in late summer to early autumn, allowing them to establish roots before winter. Winter bedding plants, like cyclamen and winter-flowering pansies, should be planted in early autumn to withstand colder temperatures. Ensure soil is well-drained and enriched, and gradually acclimate plants to outdoor conditions. Water them well to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

How to Plant Bedding Plants

To plant bedding plants, start by choosing healthy plants suited to your garden's climate and light conditions. Prepare the soil by clearing weeds, loosening it to about 15-20 cm, and adding compost. Plan your layout by arranging plants on the soil surface to avoid overcrowding. Dig holes slightly larger than the root balls, place the plants at the same depth they were in their pots, and fill in with soil. Water thoroughly after planting and keep the soil consistently moist. Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but keep it away from plant stems. Regularly deadhead spent flowers, fertilise every few weeks, and monitor for pests and diseases to ensure vibrant, healthy plants.

How long do Bedding Plants take to grow

The growth time for bedding plants varies, but generally, annuals like petunias, marigolds, and impatiens take about 10-12 weeks from seed to bloom, or a few weeks if planted as young plants. Biennials and perennials such as pansies and violas bloom in early spring when planted as young plants in autumn, taking 6-8 months from seed. To encourage faster growth, ensure optimal conditions with the right amount of sunlight, water, and nutrients, use well-draining soil enriched with compost, fertilise regularly, and provide proper spacing to avoid overcrowding.

Why Grow Bedding Plants?

Bedding plants offer instant colour and appeal to your garden with vibrant blooms, providing versatility in design and seasonal changes. They're easy to grow and maintain, making them suitable for gardeners of all levels, and often attract pollinators, supporting a healthy garden ecosystem. Additionally, bedding plants are affordable, allowing for cost-effective gardening while enabling you to express creativity and customize your garden to reflect your personal style. With a variety of species available, you can create themed gardens and ensure year-round beauty with plants that bloom at different times.

Where can you grow Bedding Plants?

Bedding plants can be grown in a multitude of locations, from garden beds and borders to containers, hanging baskets, and rock gardens. They offer versatility in design, adding bursts of colour and texture to any space. Whether on a patio, balcony, or window box, bedding plants thrive in containers, bringing beauty to small outdoor areas. They also adorn garden structures like pergolas and trellises when planted in hanging baskets. Additionally, they serve practical purposes, defining pathways and edges while attracting pollinators to vegetable gardens. With their adaptability, bedding plants can even be enjoyed indoors in sunrooms or conservatories, contributing to year-round beauty.

Why Buy Bedding Plants from Marshalls?

• Our customers are supported by a team of experts dedicated to providing valuable advice. You can also use our growing guides, backed by 70 years of experience, to get the best results from your Bedding Plants and other plants.
• You can contact us six days a week – including bank holidays – to discuss our products and services or to chat about all things gardening.
• We pride ourselves on offering fast delivery on all orders, with any 'in stock' plants and seeds sent out within three working days. We're green-fingered in more ways than one, too, thanks to our fully recyclable packaging.
• We won second place at the 2022 Great British Growing Awards for Best Online Retailer.
• Thousands of five-star reviews on Trustpilot and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all our products show that we're a company you can trust.