Hardy annuals are the bedrock of my cutting garden.
Autumn sown plants will concentrate on forming good root systems throughout the winter and then burst into wonderful growth when the temperatures start to pick up in spring.
You will get earlier, stronger and more productive plants by autumn sowing.
Also there is just something so satisfying about sowing in September/October. Knowing you have the beginnings of your cut flower garden underway so that come spring you can concentrate on the half hardy annuals and not be completely swamped by seeds!
Hardy annuals are usually sown around mid September. After the autumn equinox, (which falls around the 22nd/23rd Sept) there is more darkness than light in a 24 hour period and so the seeds aren't tempted to rush ahead and flower too fast....only to be caught out in the first frosts.
Hardy annuals can often can be sown directly where they are to grow but I personally prefer to sow into modules/seed trays, pot on as they grow and overwinter in an unheated greenhouse. That way if we do suddenly have an extremely cold or wet winter they should be safe.
This beautiful box contains 10 fabulous varieties of seeds to sow in the autumn
Contents:
Larkspur: statuesque with strong stems and beautiful flowers
Ammi Majus: exquisite, delicate clouds of white, lacy flowers
Cornflower Mix: a gorgeous mixture of all our different coloured cornflowers
Orlaya: beautiful white flowers with a lacy appearance
Daucus Carota Dara: long stems, feathery foliage and capped with burgundy and pink flowers
Sweet peas: fabulous to grow scrambling up a trellis or a wigwam of canes. Heavenly blooms and incredible scent
Scabious Imperial Mix: a cottage garden favourite with a long flowering season in a mix of pretty colours
Corncockle: an old-fashioned favourite. Beautiful pink flowers on straight stems
Nigella (love in a mist): is full of cottage garden vibes. Pretty as a flower and later on as a seed head too
Clary Sage: masses of deep blue, almost purple flowers. A wonderfully productive plant and great as a cut flower too
