If you’re new to this whole cut flower garden thing, you might not be familiar with what flower seeds to sow in autumn in the UK. But that’s okay! Here at Mr Fothergill’s, we’ve got all the information you need on which hardy annuals to sow in Autumn.
Take a look at our guide for some of the most stunning autumn-sowing flower seeds and liven up your outside space ready for those sunny days.
Hardy Annuals to Sow in Autumn
Gardening is a year-round hobby! There’s nothing quite as rewarding as watching your flower seeds grow over time from tiny dots in the ground into gorgeous blooms.
But if you’re looking to enjoy the bountiful rewards of planting, you can’t necessarily just do it on a whim! Gardening takes care, thought and time! When it comes to having stunning summertime blossoms, you need to start getting your hands dirty in autumn. Let us introduce you to some of our favourite hardy annuals fit for the season!
Why Sow Hardy Annuals in Autumn?
Like we mentioned, autumn is a fantastic time to get a head start and lay the foundations for the following year. Sowing in autumn means that your flowers have the opportunity to establish strong roots during winter, whilst the soil is still warm enough. Not only will your plants blossom sooner, but stronger, bigger, and longer too!
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Top Five Flower Seeds to Sow in Autumn in the UK
Poppy Seeds
You can sow poppy seeds in your garden around the month of October in order to see growth and flowering in the summertime! With their unique shape and distinct red colour, these vibrant plants will make a stunning addition to your summer garden.
Simple to both plant and maintain, these easy-to-grow flower seeds are a great way to get the kids involved in your family garden!
You should sow your poppy seeds in October in regular, well-draining soil, in direct view of the sunlight and scatter them thinly across the surface. Our top tip is not to bury them as they require light to germinate! Be careful not to overwater, but keep the soil nice and moist until you can see seedlings.
Cornflower Seeds
Another one of our favourite hardy annuals to sow in Autumn is cornflower seeds. Cornflowers can be grown in a range of different shapes and colours, so they will fit into any and every garden! Introduce Cornflowers to your wildflower garden and watch your outside space bustling with wildlife! Bees and butterflies alike can’t resist paying these vibrant flowers a visit.
Sow these wildflower seeds in September in well-drained soil, in direct view of the sun, to see results the following year. Or if you’d prefer, you can begin growing your cornflowers in trays for overwintering.
Sweet Peas
One of the most popular hardy annuals, the summer flowering sweet pea is one of the most perfect flower seeds to sow in autumn in the UK! Pinks, purples, lavenders, whites and more, the palette of possibilities is endless when it comes to the beauty of sweet pea plants. Easy to grow, perfect for displaying indoors and undeniably charming, who wouldn’t want to grace their flower beds with sweet pea seeds?
To give your sweet peas the best chance at thriving, our experts would recommend soaking the seeds overnight to aid germination before sowing them into your soil with compost in October. Sweet peas love the sun, so make sure they’re getting plenty of light!
Nigella Seeds
Nigella seeds produce flowers with some of the most uniquely shaped heads that you’ll ever find in the garden. Beautiful, one-of-a-kind and easy to grow, Nigellas are a fantastic choice of hardy annuals to sow in autumn. They’re the kind of flower that inspires first-time gardeners to learn more about the natural world of gardening.
Nigella seeds thrive in a well-draining seedbed with plenty of organic matter. We’d suggest scattering the seeds thinly and homing them in a sunny spot in the garden for the best results.
Calendula Seeds
A striking contribution to your spring and summer garden, calendula is certain to brighten up your outside space. Sow your calendula seeds in September and give your plants the opportunity to establish strong roots during the colder seasons.
If you live in a particularly cold area, however, it’s better to grow your calendula seeds in trays and plant pots indoors, before planting them out over springtime.
Shop Hardy Annuals to Sow in Autumn
Hopefully, now you’ve got a better idea of what flower seeds to sow in autumn in the UK. Start your planting journey today with Fothergill’s and take a look at our fantastic range of hardy annuals to sow in autumn.
If you have any further questions about flower seeds to sow in autumn in the UK or have any curiosities about any of our products, don’t hesitate to contact us or take a deeper dive into our gardening blog!
