Five Early Flowers Collection

Sowing these hardy flowers in August or early September lets them follow the garden's natural rhythm. The warm soil helps them settle in before winter, building strong roots that often reward you with earlier flowers, bigger plants and a wonderful display next year. Some are happiest sown straight where they're going to grow, while others can be started in pots and planted out later to fill the gaps left as summer flowers begin to fade. Just remember to water dry soil before sowing and keep an eye on young seedlings while they get established. Is there a catch? Well... yes! Gardening is never an exact science. Sow too early and plants may put on too much growth before winter. Sow too late and cold, wet soil can slow things down. But when you get the timing right, you'll be enjoying flowers weeks before many spring sowings are even getting started. Calendula Wintersun – just as the name suggests, this variety gives cheery winter colour of in shades of golden-yellow set against mid green foliage. (40 seeds) Cerinthe – rich purple-blue nodding flowers contrast over deep blue-green tracts on long strong stems. These are bee magnets for your garden and one of those plants people always ask about. (10 seeds) Cornflower Black Ball – fabulously rich dark mauve double flowers that really stand out in the garden. A favourite with bees, beneficial insects and birds birds, as well as making excellent cut flowers. (50 seeds) Echium Blue Bedder – spikes of exquisite blue flowers that become tinged with pink as they age. This is an AGM winner that’s especially loved by solitary bees and makes a superb cut flower too. (100 seeds) Honesty Crown Blend – famous for its papery seed heads but the fragrant flowers are packed with nectar & pollen for bees & butterflies. The flowers are edible and can be scattered on salads, while the seed provide food for birds through the winter. A wonderful all-round garden plant. (50 seeds) A packet of seeds, a little patience and a bit of luck. Sometimes that's all it takes to fill your garden with flowers.