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NE Scotland Hardy Annuals?

DulcerstoneDulcerstone Posts: 3
in Problem solving
Hi,

Can hardy annuals like calendula, larkspur be direct sown in the North East of Scotland?  If so when?  My Dad always said to sow a month later than it said on the packet up here.  But does that mean a month earlier for Autumn sowing?  Any advice much appreciated.  I want to have a cutting garden but have one windowsill to grow things on over winter so a bit tricky!
Any other suggestions for good options would be much appreciated!

Thanks!

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Larkspur is certainly fine, and yes- wait for decent weather. I used to do them around May when I grew them. I wouldn't bother sowing direct just now - they'll rot, and they're better sown direct, so wait until next year.  :)
    I don't grow calendula, so can't advise on those. 

    For autumn sowing hardy annuals - late September/early October is a good time though. You can do sweet peas then, and just give them some general protection from the worst of the weather - a cold frame, opened a bit, or even tucked in against a house wall. I don't usually bother, as it isn't usually favourable for planting out in spring, and the ones I sow in March/April often catch up :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • DulcerstoneDulcerstone Posts: 3
    Thanks! I it sounds like it'd be better just hanging fire until spring!


  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I find it best here @Dulcerstone. The ground is rarely favourable enough for planting anything out anyway, so even if you have some nice little plants, they just sit and sulk for a long while. I do most of my sweet peas in pots, but the ones that go in borders get left until a bit later for planting out, because it simply isn't warm enough for them compared to a pot. This year was an exception, but we can't make assumptions. Direct sowing is always a bit trickier than sowing in small pots etc too.

    It's one of those things that you find out as you go along. We can do all sorts of things with overwintering plants and giving them protection, but we can't alter the climate to make it suit. You're probably a bit drier than this side, but it doesn't make it any more favourable for little seedlings and plants, because cold winds and low temps are hopeless for them   :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • DulcerstoneDulcerstone Posts: 3
    Thanks for all the top tips!
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