How To Grow — category: How to Grow Flowers

Cosmos will flower more in poor soil, rather than rich, so avoid manures and fertilizers. Pinch out the growing point when plants are around 45cm (18″) tall to encourage bushier growth and more flowering points. Water during very dry spells, but otherwise, Cosmos is well suited to xeriscaping. Seeds are easy to harvest and save. These annual plants that are sometimes referred to as Cosmea. Latin Cosmos bipinnatus & C. sulfureus Family: Asteraceae Difficulty Easy Season & Zone Exposure: Full sun Zone: 2-10 Timing Direct sow from early March right up until mid-June. Several sowings will result in a very...

General Celosia is a relative of Amaranth, and native to the highlands of East Africa where it is known in Swahili as mfungu. Today’s cultivated Celosias have been selected for the brightness of their colours and compactness of growth. You will sometimes see Celosia listed by the common names Cockscomb or Woolflower. Follow along with this handy How to Grow Celosia Guide and grow some fun colour in your rock garden this season. Latin Celosia plumosa Difficulty Easy Season & Zone Exposure: Full sun to partial shade Zone: 2-10 Timing Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost, in peat or coir pots –...

General Annual Gaillardia is known as Blanket Flower in its native North America. Latin Gaillardia pulchella Family: Asteraceae Difficulty Easy Season & Zone Exposure: Full sun Zone: 1-10 Timing Direct sowing is easiest, and is done after last frost or in the autumn, in places where winter is mild. They can also be sown indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost — in late February on the coast. These would be transplanted out in early April. Seeds will germinate in 7-20 days. If starting indoors, provide bright light and a soil temperature of 21°C (70°F). Starting Sow on the surface of...

Majestic yet unpretentious biennial plants for shady spots and cottage gardens. Latin Digitalis purpurea Family: Plantaginaceae Difficulty Easy Season & Zone Exposure: Full sun to shade Zone: 3-9 Timing Direct sow outdoors after last frost for flowers the following year. In mild winter areas, direct sow in autumn as well. For flowers the first year, sow indoors very early, in December or January for transplanting 2-3 weeks before last frost. Seeds take 14-21 days to germinate. If starting indoors, provide bright light and a soil temperature of 15-18°C (60-65°F). Starting Sow on the surface. Space or transplant 45-60cm (18-24″) apart....

This feathery annual is also known as Love-in-a-Mist, Fennel flower, Wild fennel, and Devil-in-a-Bush.Nigella performs best in cooler growing areas, in ordinary, well-drained pH neutral soil. Fertilize and deadhead regularly, and water in long dry spells. It is easy to plant and grow Nigella seeds. Nigella may self sow, depending on conditions. Latin Nigella damascena Family: Ranunculaceae Difficulty Easy Season & Zone Exposure: Full sun Zone: 2-10 Timing Try sowing indoors, in peat or coir pots, 6-8 weeks before planting out after last frost. Better luck may come from direct sowing outdoors 1-2 weeks before last frost (mid-March on the...