Sow Now for Summer Blooms – Our April to May Flower Picks
As the days get longer and the soil starts to warm, April and May are ideal months for sowing a huge range of flower seeds. Whether you’re filling up borders, planting a cut flower patch, or popping a few pots on the patio, there’s plenty you can start growing right now for a beautiful summer display.
Here are some of our favourite easy-to-grow varieties you can sow right now, and how to get the best from each:
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A classic perennial daisy with bright blooms in red and pink shades on tall, elegant stems. Sow in pots or direct into the garden. These can flower in their first year if you’re lucky – otherwise, they’ll reward you next spring.
Height: 75–90cm | Great for: Cutting, borders
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Papaver somniferum ‘Maanzaad’ – Bread Seed Poppy
These stunning poppies with soft white petals and a deep purple/red centre are as beautiful as they are useful – the edible seeds can be used in baking and cooking just like regular poppy seeds.
Sow direct into well-drained soil and don’t transplant.
Height: Up to 90cm | Bee magnet & edible seeds!
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Dill ‘Mammoth’ & Dill ‘Vierling’
Yes – flowers! Dill produces beautiful umbel-shaped yellow blooms and fragrant foliage. Both can be sown directly. ‘Vierling’ has strong stems – great as a cut flower and delicious in cooking.
Height: 90cm | Also great in the kitchen!
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A delicate ornamental grass with pretty, nodding seed heads that quiver in the breeze. Sow direct and thin as needed.
Height: 60cm | Lovely in dried arrangements
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Gerbera jamesonii Hybrids (Barberton Daisy)
Bright, joyful blooms on long stems! Best started indoors with warmth, as they need a bit more TLC. They’ll do well in a sunny, sheltered spot (after the last frosts) but are best kept in a greenhouse or conservatory.
Height: 30cm | Cut flower favourite
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A cottage garden staple with frilly flowers in blues, pinks, and purples. Sow direct and thin to 15cm apart.
Height: 45–60cm | Also produces edible seeds
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California Poppy ‘Orange King’
Silky, bright orange flowers that thrive in poor soil. Sow direct where they’re to flower and they’ll self-seed happily for next year.
Height: 30–40cm | Very drought tolerant
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A Spencer variety with beautifully scented pink and white blooms. Sow indoors/outdoors in pots or sow directly with support.
Height: 180cm+ | Pinch tips for bushier growth
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For adding texture and structure to your garden, few plants beat Sea Holly. Sow direct now. Germination can be slow but it is well worth the wait!
Height: Up to 90cm | Great in dried bouquets
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Cosmos ‘Breeders Choice Mixed’
One of the easiest and showiest cut flowers. Sow in trays or direct after the last frost. Pinch out the tops to promote branching once they have 4 – 6 leaves. Deadhead to keep the blooms coming! Bumblebees love these.
Height: 90–120cm | Loved by bees and butterflies
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A fast-growing, nectar-rich flower that bees adore. Often used as green manure too. Sow direct in blocks or rows. Be sure to cut back once the flower is over and they are notoriously good at self seeding.
Height: 60cm | Excellent pollinator plant
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A hardy annual with cheerful orange, yellow and apricot blooms. Always sow direct and deadhead regularly.
Height: 45cm | Edible petals
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Helianthus ‘Soluna Lemon’ & ‘Sunflower Mixed’
Sunflowers of all shapes and sizes! Sow direct or start in pots. ‘Soluna Lemon’ is a shorter variety perfect for small spaces.
Heights: 120cm (‘Soluna’), up to 2m (‘Mixed’) | Great for kids too!
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Sunny orange daisy-like flowers that bloom right into autumn. Sow in trays or direct, then thin out.
Height: 75–90cm | Long-lasting blooms
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Sweet little clusters of pink and white flowers that are brilliant for filling gaps. Sow direct, thin seedlings, and enjoy!
Height: 25–30cm | Nice in containers too
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Gypsophila Elegans (Covent Garden)
A delicate filler flower with masses of tiny white blooms. Sow direct and thin out.
Height: 45cm | Perfect in bouquets
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Unique globe-shaped seed heads with lovely textural interest. Sow in pots or direct and space well.
Height: 90cm | Beautiful fresh or dried
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So there you have it – 19 varieties you can sow right now! Whether you’re growing for pollinators, picking bouquets, or just looking to add some colour to your garden, these blooms are sure to bring you joy this summer.
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All available right here in our online shop!
We love seeing photos of your plant progress and flourishing flower gardens – Please share them with us over on our Instagram!
Happy sowing!
– Sam & Mary
Moonflower Seeds
