Flowers from seed

[daffodilbrain]

I'd like experiment with growing flowers from seed. Any top tips of what to grow , where or when? Is it ok to sow straight into the ground? Is it too late or not time? Ideally I'd like to cover my gaps!

Have a look at sarah raven's website. Lots of useful info and inspiration there. Enjoy!

Sarah Raven from gardeners world has an amazing website for seeds-not the cheapest but always really successful (plus I used to work for her so I know she is lovely)

Hardy annuals. Have a browse, still just enough time to sow. Lots to choose from and, yes, you can sow directly into the ground. My top favourite is calendula (Pot or English marigolds). Also borage - lovely blue flowers - essential for Pimm's

Ebay is brilliant for cheap seeds.

When looking at seeds, most will state if they are easy to grow or are difficult to germinate and grow.

If you start looking at seeds, you can see they type of flowers/plants you would like to grow and there are things you can even start growing in the late fall.

Marigolds, Daisies, Zinnias and especially Cosmos are great beginner flowers.

Candytuft, Clarkia, Nigella and California Poppy are very easy and give loads of blooms.

Seconding Beebumble's suggestions. They are what my DS plants every year, because they give quick results and are lovely and colourful. You can sow direct into the ground, but you will have to think them.

Wilko is also good for cheap seeds. And bulbs for that matter. Would you consider summer flowering bulbs?

I’ve been growing hardy annuals for years and am still learning and experimenting
I have had big successes with Scabious, Nigella, Cali Poppy and Ox Eye Daisy self seeding and coming up every year.
I bought some green manure “Phacelia” which seems slug proof
I love cornflower, zinnia, calendula, borage, but so do slugs. So if you have a lot of slugs beware.
I start everything off in pots because of slugs. I only plant them out when established
I have a feeling that mice and birds steal seeds as well!

I grow cosmos every year, lovely foliage and flowers and still in bloom in November. The white one, Purity, goes with everything.
I'm growing a purply pink one Dazzler for the first time, seed germinated in 2 days on a warm windowsill, 3 weeks later has a good root system and nearly ready to plant out.

Ooh I'm a massive fan of the Cosmos Dazzler! I grow every year

My garden was all mud 8 yrs ago it's taken until now to get the structure, evergreens, herbaceous and trees in. I see this time as the cherry on the cake adding colourful floral. So I'm not worried if it comes from bulbs or seeds. As I have clay soil, it's hard work to plant bulbs (and I always wish I'd planted tulips and more daffs each spring) The light bulb moment when I I realised i can purchase cheap seeds and create colour!!! I suspect I will err towards cosmos because I love it but will rest some of the other suggestions!

I love the self seeders, forgetmenots, cornflower, nigella and marigolds. Although my marigolds have not come this year. Cosmos is lovely, you do need to pick them though, to keep them going