Seeds

Seeds FAQs

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

What are seeds?

Seeds serve as nature's energy reservoir, providing a fresh plant with the essential capacity to sprout and thrive. Within the seed, embryonic leaves and roots are intricately curled, awaiting optimal conditions – the perfect blend of temperature and moisture – to initiate the formation of roots and prompt the nascent shoot to emerge towards the light. Originating in the flower, seeds manifest either within a fruit, seed head, or pod, facilitating their distribution and marking the inception of the next plant generation.

How to grow flowers from seed

Initiate the growth of your flower seeds by sowing them into moist, finely sieved compost. Whether using a seed tray, containers, or clean yogurt pots, delicately press the flower seeds into the soil and lightly cover them with a sprinkle of compost or vermiculite. Optimal germination occurs in a warm environment, around 21°C, making a greenhouse or a warm windowsill ideal for this purpose. Once shoots emerge, relocate your pots to a spot with bright light.

When your seedlings develop at least three true leaves, carefully pot them on, ensuring to gently separate the roots using a pencil or dibber. Handle the seedlings by holding a leaf, avoiding the stem to prevent damage. Transition them to slightly larger pots with high-quality, well-draining compost. Once your plants have acclimated to their new pots and roots become visible through the drainage holes, harden them off for a minimum of two weeks. Finally, plant them into their designated positions, whether in containers or garden beds.

How to germinate a seed

Achieve the swiftest seed germination by providing the optimal temperature specific to each variety. Start by consulting the information on the seed packet to identify the ideal temperature range for your particular seeds. Generally, the optimal temperature for seed germination falls between 20°C to 25°C. Although germination can occur between 10°C and 30°C, adhering to the recommended range ensures more consistent and timely germination. Exposure to extreme temperatures may lead to uneven and delayed germination.

Maintaining a consistent, optimum temperature and ensuring ample moisture for your seeds will yield germination approximately two weeks after sowing. Stay attuned to the unique needs of your seeds to foster a successful and uniform germination process.

What are the best seeds to start a garden?

Numerous plants, including lettuce, cucumbers, peas, squash, kale, sunflowers, pansies, marigolds, and more, thrive with ease when grown from seed. While some plants, like tomatoes and peppers, may require a bit more attention to initiate growth from seed, they remain relatively straightforward, especially with access to a bright window or cost-effective LED grow light. Elevate your gardening experience by exploring a diverse range of plants that suit various growing conditions.

Why buy seeds from Marshalls Garden?

• Our customers are supported by a team of experts dedicated to providing valuable advice. You can also use our growing guides, which are backed by 70 years' experience, to get the best results from your seeds.
• You can contact us six days a week – including bank holidays – to discuss our products and services or to chat 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 Feefo and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all our products show that we're a company you can trust.