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Growing flowers from seed

(81 Posts)
Luckygirl Sun 24-Jun-18 16:01:57

I am just getting into this gardening lark and am thinking of getting a raised cold frame.

Can someone please let me into the secret of the basic principles of growing flowers from seed? When to plant? Light or dark conditions? When to plant out? When they might flower?

josssiii Sun 03-Aug-25 13:46:39

I’ll make sure to follow the Gransnet Talk guidelines moving forward. Appreciate the reminder and the link to keep things respectful and on topic.https://interpolationcalculator.com/linear-interpolation/

RHatake Thu 31-Jul-25 08:55:24

Read the Seed Packet! This is the golden rule. Every seed packet is a miniature instruction manual. It will tell you the ideal planting depth, spacing, light requirements, germination time, and maturity time.

And the book "Cottage Garden Annuals: Grown from Seed for Summer-Long Colour" suggested by @merlotgran is also good.

Jaxjacky Tue 29-Jul-25 11:21:57

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cc Wed 16-Jul-25 16:25:58

I'm planning to grow some tough little pansies. I know that the plants are not that expensive, but I don't want to buy mixed colours - very fussy I know!

pably15 Wed 16-Jul-25 16:15:01

I planted antirrhinum plants last year in pots in front garden which is pebbled, this year little plants are growing among the pebbles, so they must be easy to grow from seed.

Suzieque66 Sat 12-Jul-25 14:06:10

All seed packets have the instruction to grow... Read and keep the packets so you can say Yeah or Nay next year ,,, also Keep your own seeds .. if Sweet Peas I soak the seed as it has a hard shell in warm water for 24 hours and away you go ..

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Whitewavemark2 Tue 13-May-25 20:23:45

Oh I’ve just realised this is old. Bum!

Whitewavemark2 Tue 13-May-25 20:22:52

Now is the time to sow bi-annuals. So if you like those - time to buy and sow.

If you google say cultivation of digitalis or wallflowers or Canterbury bells - then it should tell you everything you need to know.

You can almost be quite ambitious and perhaps think about sowing perennials.

My delphiniums are my pride and joy and all grown from seed.

SpeciaList nurseries are best for stuff like that.

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Oreo Tue 11-Feb-25 13:58:40

This is an ancient thread 😁🌻

glenn01 Tue 11-Feb-25 10:26:39

That sounds like a beautiful selection! Sweet peas are always a delight with their fragrance and vibrant colors.It’s great to hear they’ve all sprouted successfully! Waiting a bit before planting the others sounds like a smart move to ensure the best conditions. The mix of cottage garden annuals and Livingstone daisies will surely add a stunning variety to your garden. Looking forward to hearing how they progress!

Skydancer Sat 08-Feb-25 19:54:35

Growing from seed is very satisfying. I did a short course on horticulture and we were advised to fill a tray with compost. Then sprinkle on the seeds. Then stand the tray inside a larger tray which is full of water. Wait until the surface of the tray with the seeds in looks damp. Then remove it. Put somewhere sheltered and keep an eye on it. Seedlings will appear. Prick out once the weather is mild. Do not handle the stems but lift gently by a leaf. Works for me.

Whitewavemark2 Sat 08-Feb-25 18:55:30

This year I’m growing sweet peas. Night scented stock, mix of cottage garden annuals and Livingstone daisies.

So far I’ve sown the sweet peas and they are all up. Shall wait a while before the others get down.

jusnoneed Sat 08-Feb-25 18:23:10

Ilovedogs22 I agree about Cosmos, they give a lovely splash of colour. The year before last my neighbour had a packet free with a magazine, she doesn't have anywhere to raise seeds so she just scattered them on the soil and raked them in, she was amazed at the amount that grew and lasted through the summer. I am thinking of doing the same thing this year.
I also have the small campanula that seeds and spreads, flowers for a long time.

pably15 Sat 08-Feb-25 17:34:21

I,ve got a lovely Canterbury Bell at least I think that's the name,,,that I never planted, I think probably the wind or birds brought it , it spreads like Billy o'...has a lovely purple flower...