9 quick growers
Calendula officinalis ‘Sherbet Fizz’
Pot marigolds are a sound beginners’ choice, are good for cutting and have edible petals. Their large curved seeds are easy to sow and long-lived plants flower promptly. Thin to 9in (23cm). HxS: 18x12in (45x30cm).
Limnanthes douglasii AGM
The poached-egg plant is an easy hardy annual to sow direct and a good one for children to scatter over soil and rake in. Seeds will fall in the same area and the patch of low plants lit by yellow-centred white flowers will be self-perpetuating. Thin to 5in (13cm). H&S: 6in (15cm).
Rhodanthe chlorocephala subsp. rosea ‘Pierrot’
This sun-loving, drought-tolerant ‘everlasting’ has flower heads whose ring of papery-white ray petals resemble the white ruffs worn by the clown-like figure of Pierrot in Commedia dell’arte. Thin to 6in (15cm) apart. HxS: 2ftx8in (60x20cm).
Clarkia amoena
‘Rembrandt’ The plaintively-named ‘farewell to spring’ or ‘satin flower’ is often still listed under godetia. Although usually classed as a hardy annual, seeds germinate best in warm spring conditions. Thin to 8in (20cm) apart. HxS:18x12in (45x30cm).
Malva trimestris ‘Dwarf Pink Blush’
Known as royal mallow, this sumptuous hardy annual does have a regal air. Plants are easy to grow and fill borders with large, fluttering blooms of satiny petals. Raise them in pots or direct sow and thin to 10in (25m). HxS: 2ftx16in (60x40cm).
Salvia viridis ‘Blue Monday’
Hardy annual clary relies on colourful bracts for brightening our borders, path edges and flower arrangements. These top the stems of bushy plants above the small insignificant flowers and are at their best from late summer to autumn. Thin to 8in (20cm). H&S: 18in (45cm).
Eschscholzia californica ‘Milkmaid’
The Thai Silk Series open to a rich buttery-cream colour above fine bluegrey foliage. Sow into free-draining soil in a sunny position. These are perfect for gravel-mulched dry or rock gardens. Thin to 6in (15cm) apart. H&S: 12in (30cm).
Papaver rhoeas ‘Angel’s Choir Mixed’
Bred from the common field poppy and performing well from a direct sowing, this gorgeous mixture deserves some space so you can enjoy their full colour range of soft pinks, purples, reds, apricots and whites. Thin to 8in (20cm). HxS: 30x18in (75x45cm).
Tropaeolum majus ‘Empress of India’
Nasturtiums are great for late sowing and seeds pressed into hanging basket gaps will grow and flower. There are some fabulous flower shades and plenty with long, trailing stems, but this old Victorian favourite is hard to beat. Thin to 8in (20cm). H&S: 12in (30cm).