9 colourful annuals for cutting
3 hardy annuals
Lathyrus odoratus
‘Mrs Bernard Jones’ AGM
Sown one per deep module under cold glass in autumn, these sweet peas are set in well-cultivated soil against supports in spring. HxS: 7x1ft (2.2mx30cm).
Nicotiana x hybrida ‘Whisper Mixed’
This tall tobacco is best sown in early spring. Plants enjoy moist but welldrained soil in light shade. Expect a show of fragrant blooms in pink, turning white with age. HxS: 3ftx18in (1mx45cm).
Cerinthe major ‘Purpurascens’
Honeywort thrives in slightly poor, well-drained soils. Soak seeds before sowing singly into pots in spring and plant 8in (20cm) apart. They’re good at self-seeding into border gaps, too. HxS: 24x12in (60x30cm).
Ammi majus AGM
Bishops flower is a hardy annual from the cow parsley family. Sow into modules or direct to soil in spring, ready for planting out 12in (30cm) apart. Can cause skin irritation. HxS: 3x1ft (1mx30cm).
Zinnia elegans ‘Purple Prince’ AGM
Dazzling zinnias enjoy growing in warm, sheltered positions and this variety delivers stems of large purple-pink blooms. Sow under cover in early spring in modules. HxS: 30x12in (75x30cm).
Moluccella laevis
Sow bells of Ireland in warmth during spring, and plant in well-drained soil 12in (30cm) apart. Strip leaves before bunching or try drying stems. Some find the leaves irritating to the skin. HxS: 30x10in (75x25cm).
Centaurea cyanus ‘Red Boy’
Sow direct into good, well-drained soil and thin seedlings to 8in (20cm) apart. Its raspberry-pink colour looks good alongside dark-maroon foliage. Petals are edible. HxS: 3x1ft (1mx30cm).
Tithonia rotundifolia ‘Torch’
Sow these Mexican sunflowers in warmth during mid-spring, as the tall, soft-leaved plants need time to grow on and reach their full potential. HxS: 4x2ft (1.2mx60cm).
Xerochrysum bracteatum ‘Salmon Rose’
The paper daisy is well-known for the crisp texture of its flowers. Sow into modules or direct into soil in spring and plant or thin seedlings 10in (25cm) apart. A sunny spot favours these drought-tolerant plants. HxS: 3ftx18in (1mx45cm).