Cottage Garden

The beauty of growing a classic cottage garden is that it can thrive throughout the year. Some spring-flowering bulbs, like allium bulbs, should be planted in autumn, while summer star seeds like cosmos and sweet peas are best sown indoors from early spring. For autumn colour, plant hardy annuals, such as calendula seeds, in late summer. Many perennial seed favourites - like lupin seeds and delphinium seeds – can be started anytime from spring to early autumn, giving you the flexibility you need to build your dream garden in stages.

How to Grow a Cottage Garden

For bulbs, plant them at a depth three times their diameter in well-drained soil and water thoroughly. Seeds can be started indoors in trays for early blooms, then hardened off before transplanting after frosts. Most cottage plants thrive in full sun with modest soil – their charm comes from slightly crowded, natural-looking displays, so plant bulbs a little closer together than usual. 

Create Your Cottage Garden with Fothergill's

Our hand-selected collection offers everything you need for a classic cottage garden, from nostalgic sweet pea seeds to pollinator-friendly seeds. Every packet comes with expert growing guidance and our 100% satisfaction guarantee. Get started with fast UK delivery on seeds from just £2.99.