Flower Seeds

Flower Seeds FAQs

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

When to plant flower seeds

You have the opportunity to plant flower seeds throughout the entire year. For instance, you can begin sowing seeds of flowers such as pansies, sweet peas, marigolds, delphiniums, and others as early as February. As late spring transitions into summer, consider sowing poppies, calendula, sunflowers, and cornflowers. Moving into autumn, you can sow seeds for nemesia, coleus, forget-me-nots, and linaria.

How to plant flower seeds

All Marshalls Garden seeds include user-friendly instructions for sowing and cultivation conveniently provided on the packet. Nevertheless, certain flowers prove to be more effortless to cultivate than others. If you're engaging in gardening with children, opting for seeds that reliably germinate, thrive well, and yield vibrant blooms is key. For such occasions, consider choosing pansies, cornflowers, wildflower mixes, edible nasturtiums, and the popular sunflower seeds. To assist our valued customers in maximising the potential of their flower seeds, the dedicated team at Marshalls Garden has crafted a diverse array of informative articles and growing guides.

How long do flower seeds take to grow

The duration it takes for flower seeds to mature can significantly differ based on the specific variety and the conditions in which they are planted. Seeds sown in a propagator on your kitchen windowsill, for instance, tend to germinate more rapidly compared to those planted directly outdoors. The use of a premium growing medium and the fertility of your outdoor soil also play crucial roles in the growth process.

How to collect flower seeds

You can typically discern the ripeness of flower seeds by observing the drying and colour change of the pods or capsules that encase them. It's crucial to wait for this transformation before harvesting, as unripe seeds may not germinate successfully. For flowers with exploding seed heads, either cover the seed head with a bag so that the detonation occurs within it, or cut the seed head off and place it in a bag for further ripening. Opt for a dry day for harvesting flower seeds, and once the seed heads are collected, crush them over cardboard or paper to eliminate any chaff. Allow the seeds to thoroughly dry on a sunny windowsill or a similar spot before placing them in labelled paper envelopes. Store these envelopes in an airtight container along with desiccant sachets for optimal preservation.

What flower seeds to plant now

Discover a variety of flowers to sow throughout the entire year! Explore our curated collections of flower seeds categorised by each month to determine the ideal choices for this month. For an early bloom in spring, consider sowing hardy annuals like sweet peas during autumn. Additionally, kickstart the growth of tender bedding geraniums by opting for early sowing in a heated propagator in February.

How to grow flowers from seed

Cultivate vibrant flowers from seeds by utilising high-quality seed compost. Ensure an even distribution of your flower seeds over the surface of moist compost, placing them in a warm location for germination. For sweet pea seeds, consider using root trainers to promote extended root growth, providing a boost for these climbing annuals. Alternatively, directly sow hardy sweet peas at the base of a trellis in late spring. Tender flower seeds like geraniums thrive with a consistently warm temperature for spring germination, making a controlled environment like a heated propagator ideal.

When it comes to half-hardy and hardy annual flower seeds, such as native poppies, cornflowers, and antirrhinums, it's best to sow them directly into the garden in April and May. Prior to sowing your hardy annuals, prepare the soil by turning it over, and removing rocks and weeds. Scatter the seeds evenly and lightly rake them into the soil. Provide water to the seeds using a fine rosette or a spray setting on the hose.

Can you harvest seeds from cut flowers?

In some cases, it is possible to harvest seeds from cut flowers, but the success depends on the type of flower and its seed-producing capabilities. Here are some general considerations:

Seed-Producing Flowers: Flowers that are grown specifically for seed production, such as sunflowers, zinnias, and marigolds, are more likely to yield viable seeds. These flowers are often referred to as "open-pollinated" or "heirloom" varieties.

Hybrid Flowers: Seeds obtained from hybrid flowers may not produce plants with the same characteristics as the parent plant. Hybrids are often created through controlled cross-breeding, and the seeds may not come true to the original plant.

Fruits and Seed Pods: Many flowers produce seeds within their fruits or seed pods. For example, plants like poppies and columbines form seed pods after the flowers fade. If you allow these pods to mature on the plant, you can collect them once they have dried.

Cut Flower Varieties: Flowers that are primarily grown for their use in arrangements may not be as reliable for seed harvesting. Some varieties are bred for traits like long vase life and may not prioritize seed development.

To harvest seeds, it's crucial to allow the flowers to mature fully on the plant. This means letting the flowers go through their natural life cycle, allowing seed pods or fruits to develop and ripen.

If you're interested in harvesting seeds from cut flowers, consider choosing varieties known for their seed production, and let the flowers stay on the plant until the seeds are fully developed. Once the seeds have matured, you can collect them for future planting. Keep in mind that not all cut flowers are suitable for seed harvesting, and the success of germination can vary.

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