Sow biennials in June ready to flower next spring

Foxgloves

As my foxgloves are beginning to run out of steam and start to seed it’s a good reminder that now is the time to sow hardy biennials such as foxgloves, wallflowers and sweet williams (Dianthus barbatus).

Most biennials that are sown now will germinate and get established before the chill of winter.

Sow in a seed tray in good compost and keep in a warm place to encourage germination. Pot on before planting out in flowering position in September or October. They will then overwinter ready to flower in spring or early summer.

I have self sown foxgloves which have colonised a couple of narrow containers and this year have bloomed well in a shady spot down the side of the house. The trough is too small for their needs as they need regular watering but they are enjoying the shaded position which only has mid-late afternoon sun. Ideally I could spread the seeds in the more shady part of the garden and hope they establish for next year.

With plants that self seed it’s good to get familiar with the small seedlings so that you do not weed them out by mistake.

Wallflowers

Wallflowers sometimes self seed in the cracks of the drive and seem to survive drier positions although do best in a sunny, well drained border or a container. 

Wallflowers are regularly grown as spring bedding plants but when cut back after flowering will keep flowering as short lived perennials but may grow woody and not flower as well in subsequent years. Wallflowers are my go to biennials for spring scent and cheerful colours. 

Varieties such as yellow ‘Cloth of Gold’ or the orange or red ‘Sugar Rush' varieties will brighten a gloomy day or go for the richer mixes which include some lovely rich red varieties. 

Now is also a good time to sow some more hardy perennials such as aquilegia and pansies which will then overwinter and flower next spring.