Whether you’re planting Forget Me Not, Wildflower, Sunflower or Poppy seeds, these simple planting instructions will help you enjoy beautiful blooms year after year.
Forget Me Not Seeds
When to Sow
Spring or autumn.
Where to Plant
Sow directly into moist, well-drained soil or containers in a partially shaded position.
How to Sow
Scatter the seeds thinly onto the soil surface and gently press them into place. Do not cover heavily, as Forget Me Not seeds need light to germinate. Keep the soil moist until seedlings appear.
Germination
Approximately 7–14 days.
Flowering
The following spring.
Top Tip
Forget Me Nots prefer cooler conditions and partial shade for the best display.
Wildflower Seeds
When to Sow
March to May or August to October.
Where to Plant
Choose a sunny, weed-free area with poor to average soil.
How to Sow
Prepare the soil by removing weeds and lightly raking the surface. Scatter the seeds evenly, gently firm them into the soil and water carefully.
Germination
Approximately 2–4 weeks.
Flowering
Summer through to early autumn.
Top Tip
Avoid adding fertiliser, as wildflowers grow best in low-nutrient soil.
Sunflower Seeds
When to Sow
Indoors from March or outdoors from April to May.
Where to Plant
Choose a sunny location in borders, raised beds or large containers.
How to Sow
Plant seeds approximately 1.5cm deep, spacing them 30–45cm apart. Water regularly and keep the soil moist until established.
Germination
Approximately 7–14 days.
Flowering
Mid to late summer.
Top Tip
Support taller varieties with a cane or stake to protect them from strong winds.
Poppy Seeds
When to Sow
March to May or August to October.
Where to Plant
Sow directly where they are to flower, as poppies dislike being transplanted.
How to Sow
Scatter the seeds thinly onto prepared soil, gently press into place and keep the soil lightly moist during germination.
Germination
Approximately 2–3 weeks.
Flowering
Summer.
Top Tip
Leave some seed heads in place to encourage natural self-seeding for the following year.
Helpful Growing Tips
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage longer flowering, except where you wish plants to self-seed.
Water gently after sowing to avoid disturbing the seeds.
Keep the soil moist during germination but avoid waterlogging.
Remove weeds regularly to reduce competition.
Protect young seedlings from slugs and snails where necessary.