Types of bedding plants

Bedding plants come in categories. Firstly those that are annuals which mean that these plants will be raised from seed and flower and die all in one year. Examples of some of the common flowers are which fall into this classification are alyssum and cornflower.

Some annuals are considered to be half hardy, which means that the seed needs to be started under a certain amount of protection to get it to germinate. This usually takes place under glass or in a propagator. Thus, it is important to read everything that is written on the seed packet before you commence sowing the seeds.

Another classification is the biennial which forms, although a few seeds will form stems in the first season and flowers in the second. Daisy and campanula, forget-me-not and wallflower are typical examples of biennials.

The next type we review is the perennial, when the seed will produce a plant that will continue to live for several years. These are normally classed as shrubs, although some of the seed may need to be treated as half-hardy.

Seeds can be sown in small pots or root trainers – both large or small or seed trays. It is vital that the pots and other utensils are clean before you use them and that you use fresh peat-free compost and keep your seed in a cool dry environment.

Cosmos

Cosmos is a popular annual which is easily recognised by its slender shape and ferny foliage and large flowers. Traditional cosmos sport white or pink flowers but interestingly there can be variations of other mixed colours.

There are a large number of variations and the seeds are best sown between March and April. The site and soil will support these flowers as long as it is well-drained and not a heavy soil. It is best to sow the seeds in a sunny position.

Cosmos makes an excellent cut flower and is good to mix with other flowers in a vase. An annual flower, it will last for just one season and new seed must be sown for next year. This is a great flower to get children involved in growing along with other members of the family.

Lobelia

This is another popular summer flower but it is a bit more demanding than many others and gardeners need to be aware of what is required to produce successful displays. The annual version needs plenty of humus to grow well and plenty of water is required during the time it is growing. Seed should be sown early in the year any time from January onward and is best sown in small pots, trays or propagators. The seed needs just a gentle warmth but it is vital to keep the compost moist. Use peat-free compost which is fresh and keep it moist until germination takes place. Lobelia does not need to be planted outdoors until Mid-May and the small seedlings do not need to be pricked out, but rather kept in clumps. The annual version of lobelia is relatively hardy once it has germinated and it will feature in many garden borders, hence the fact that it is very popular. Predominately, lobelia is blue in colour and many borders sport a mixture of blue lobelia and white alyssum.

Lobelia comes in various forms and the trailing form is often utilised in hanging baskets, although if it is allowed to dry out it is well-nigh impossible to get the flower to recover.

The traditional border with lobelia interspersed with alyssum is a long -standing feature not just in lots of gardens but in many parks and open spaces.

There is also a popular perennial version of lobelia that will keep flowering for about two to five years with a spectacular display of spikes in pink, red and purple. Once again it is important to keep the compost wet and never allow it to dry out.

March is important for gardeners

March is crammed with a lot of well-known events which will affect gardeners. The month kicked off with Saint David’s Day on the first day of the month with the daffodils and the leeks taking preference as emblems of the Welsh nation.

Greenock Telegraph:

Mother’s Day comes on 10th of the month, giving plenty of time to present your beloved mum with flowers, or if she is a keen gardener perhaps a new garden tool or a plant for the garden such as a small tree or bush.

Irish gardeners celebrate St Patrick’s Day on March 17 and there is even a daffodil named after him.

Next of importance comes the vernal equinox, or spring equinox as it is more widely known, and this is when spring begins, on March 20. The month ends with the beginning of British Summer Time which means that we will all lose an hour of sleep as the clock moves forward by one hour. This gives us all plenty of time to get out into the garden for an hour or so each night tiding up after the winter and sowing our new season seeds.

Gardening talk

The next fortnightly talk organised by Gourock Horticultural Society takes place on Tuesday March 19 at Cardwell Garden Centre, commencing at 2pm. The talk is open to any interested readers and will lasts about one hour. Do make a point of coming along and bring a friend.