Sunflower Topolino is unique in producing numerous bright yellow flowers with a distinctive dark centre, on dwarf plants with a branching habit. Fun and easy to grow, Sunflower Topolino provides a colourful display in containers or flower borders, and is a sure-fire winner with adults and children alike!
Red and copper-toned flowers are borne on stems that rise to 5ft. A well-branched habit ensures that several blooms come from each plant. Great for children. Height: 150cm (59). Spread: 50cm (20).Culinary information: Some parts of these flowers are edible. Click here for more details about edible flowers.
This popular sunflower seed mix is rich in oil, making it a great source of energy for wild garden birds.
True to its name, this giant among sunflowers is one of the tallest you can grow, with huge, long-lasting daisy-shaped blooms measuring up to 60cm (24in) across and reaching a height of up to 360cm (144in). Having the best record-breaking potential, this heirloom variety is the obvious choice for nurturing children's interest in gardening as well as for indulging your competitive streak - even if just to impress the neighbours as the enormous flowers stand tall well above fence height! Originating in North and South America, sunflowers were worshipped by the ancient Incas as a symbol of their sun god. They reached Europe by the sixteenth century, since when they have been grown in abundance by generations of gardeners and commercial growers for their impressive proportions as well as their highly nutritious seeds and oil. Capable of bringing a touch of sunshine to your garden even when days are dull, they are brimming with optimism and the joys of summer. With enormous dark hearts fringed by glorious bright yellow petals, the flowers soak up the sun and redistribute its goodness in the form of large seeds, which you can roast and eat as a snack, scatter over salads or use in your baking - but don't forget to save some for the birds! When the flowers have reached their peak, hang them up to dry naturally and they will provide a welcome autumn and winter buffet for our feathered friends. However tall they grow, the sturdy, slightly prickly upright stems shouldn't need staking, even in exposed positions, although for peace of mind you may want to provide some support, particularly if you are growing for a competition. The immature flowerheads will follow the sun through the day but once the petals have opened, the flowers will remain facing one direction Supplied as a packet of 25 (approx.) seeds ready to sow indoors or outdoors. For best results, sow the seeds outdoors, directly into their flowering position, to allow the roots to establish firmly with uninterrupted growth. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot with well-draining soil. If necessary, add plenty of well-rotted manure or compost to the ground before planting. Sow from March to May either indoors for planting out in June to July, or outdoors directly into their growing position. These hardy annuals will flower from June to September, in the same year as sowing.
A fantastic plant for bedding, baskets and containers, suited to a full sun position. They displays masses of colourful flowers all summer long. Height and spread: 25cm (10).
One of the tastiest varieties of swede, with golden, ?bitterfree? roots, that are less coarse than other types. Excellent for storing, roots are winter hardy and versatile for cooking. Height: 30cm (12). Spread: 25cm (10)
A very early Xtra-Tender© variety, 'Swift F1' has been specifically bred to give very sweet and succulent cobs. Quick to grow from seed, the vigorous plants produce good-sized cobs of up to 20cm long, with golden-yellow kernels that have a mouth-wateringly rich flavour. A worthy recipient of the RHS Award of Garden Merit, 'Swift F1' is easy to grow and a reliably good cropper - a great choice for beginner and experienced gardeners alike. It is also one of the best crops for getting children interested in gardening as the seeds germinate soon after sowing, grow to an impressive size and produce delicious corn cobs that they will relish. Cobs can be cooked whole - simply remove the husks and boil the cobs for a few minutes, roast in the oven or wrap them in foil for the barbeque. They can also be eaten raw; just strip off the kernels with a sharp knife and add them to salads for an extra sweet crunch. Sweetcorn is rich in fibre and a good source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. The cobs are best eaten soon after picking but will keep for a few days in the fridge and they freeze well. Sweetcorn thrives in a sunny position. Sow indoors March to May for planting out in May to June; or sow the seeds outdoors in May, directly into their cropping position in well-cultivated, fertile soil. Flowers will appear approximately 8 weeks after sowing and mature cobs can be picked after 16 weeks - or pick for baby corn 1 to 2 days after the silks emerge, when the ear is up to 10cm (4in) long. Supplied as a packet of 35 (approx.) seeds ready to sow indoors or outdoors in their growing position. Grows to a height of up to 200cm (79in) and spread up to 45cm (18in).
A really useful bedding type of sweet pea, with lowbushy growth and masses of pretty flowers, adding a light fragrance to your summer garden. Height and spread: 30cm (12).
A refreshing mix containing just six varieties - some of which have yet to be released individually! Sweet Pea 'Bright and Breezy' blends these specially selected colours for a clean, fresh, summery appearance with a rich, characteristic, sweet pea perfume. These large, wavy-edged blooms are carried on strong stems that are ideal for cutting. Height: 180cm (71) Spread: 30cm (12)
Wonderful tricolour mix of red, white and blue blooms, making a colourful and patriotic display, ideal for climbing up fences, frames, arches and trellis. Great cut flowers. Height: 180cm (71). Spread: 30cm (12).
A choice variety for its extraordinarily dark navy-blue flowers and superb, intense fragrance. Sweet Pea 'King Size Navy Blue' bears up to 5 large, frilled blooms on each slender stem, making this an excellent cut flower for filling small vases with just a few stems. Let it intertwine with paler varieties for an unforgettable display in the garden. Height: 180cm (71). Spread: 30cm (12).
Delicate fragrance and graceful colours. This beautiful selection of varieties, many of which date from the 16th century, are superb for climbing or cascading from a basket. Height: 180cm (71). Spread: 30cm (12).