Bred as an improvement to the popular 'Onward' pea variety, this excellent maincrop type produces high yields of juicy, plump marrowfat peas, each pod containing up to 9 dark green peas. The plants' compact and robust habit makes them ideal for exposed locations and smaller gardens. They show good resistance to powdery mildew, which is helpful for later sowings for successional cropping through a long season. A worthy recipient of the RHS Award of Garden Merit, 'Ambassador' is a dependable variety that is easy to grow and a long-time favourite of vegetable growers. It is also a great choice for introducing children to gardening as the peas are so good to eat raw when picked straight from the plant. Not only tasty, these succulent peas are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals and fibre, having particularly high levels of vitamin C. When frozen, the peas will retain good nutritional values. Supplied as a packet of 325 (approx.) seeds ready to sow outdoors from March to June directly into their cropping position. They will tolerate most soil types but will do best in neutral ph, deeply dug, fertilised soil.
A fabulous double tulip, producing a burst of luxuriant colour in spring, 'Double Red' is perfect for beds, borders and containers. With double-cupped, bowl-shaped blossoms and medium stem length, they are ideal for cutting. An easy-to-grow, hardy perennial, they thrive in rich fertile, well-drained conditions, enjoying full or afternoon sun. Plant in the autumn to enjoy long-lasting, opulent red blooms in the spring. Supplied as a pack of 15 bulbs, they are best planted in groups in borders or pots. Weave amongst other spring-flowering bulbs for an impressive display.
An exceptional variety that is early to crop and has a long picking season, 'Polestar' produces high yields of smooth runner bean pods that have a sweet flavour and crisp, fleshy texture. If not left too long on the vine, these beans are stringless, so for best taste and texture, pick when they reach 15-20cm (6-8in) in length. A reliable and long-standing favourite of vegetable growers, this heavy cropping variety will produce plenty of delicious fresh beans for your plate and plenty more for the freezer. Versatile and nutritious, they are a classic cooked veg, but the young beans also taste great raw - try shredding or slicing them into a salad or using as a baton for dips. For best results, sow the seeds indoors in pots from April to May for transplanting outside in May to June; or sow from April to May outdoors, directly into their cropping position. To get the growing season off to an earlier start, sow them in containers in your greenhouse. The plants produce pretty red flowers, which are very attractive to bees and other beneficial insects. Grow alongside sweet peas as these will draw in more insects that will help pollinate the runner beans and produce an even bigger crop. As well as 'Polestar' being a rewarding bean to grow, the beans are highly nutritious as they are rich in vitamin C and a good source of fibre. Trim and blanch surplus crops to store in an airtight container or bag in the freezer. They will freeze well, retaining good flavour and texture when cooked from frozen. Supplied as a packet of 50 (approx.) seeds ready to plant indoors in individual pots or outdoors in their growing position. Being deep-rooted, runner beans will thrive in well-dug, fertile, moisture-retentive but well-draining soil, in a sunny and sheltered position. Successive sowings every 2-3 weeks will achieve an extended cropping. Beans will be ready to harvest from July to October, 12-16 weeks after sowing.
A cheerful perennial, producing a burst of dramatic colour in mid-late spring, 'Triump Red' is the perfect tulip for beds, borders and containers. These single-bloom, classic cup-shaped flowers grow on sturdy stems and are resistant to wind and rain, with a fabulous bouquet that makes them ideal for cutting. Easy to grow, they thrive in rich, fertile, well-drained conditions, enjoying full or afternoon sun. Plant in autumn for mid-late spring flowering, each rich red bloom lasting 1-2 weeks in April. Supplied as a pack of 15 bulbs for planting in the autumn, they are best planted in groups in borders or pots. Mix them with bright yellow daffodils or any other flowering bulb for a wonderful contrast.
If you only grow one lettuce variety, surely this is the one to choose. True to its name, 'All Year Round' can be sown at any time of the year for harvesting over a long season. This heritage variety has been a firm favourite with British vegetable growers since the middle of the 19th century. A classic 'butterhead', it produces medium-sized lettuces with loosely formed heads that have soft-textured green outer leaves and compact, crisp, creamy yellow hearts. Succulent and sweet, and a good source of minerals and vitamins A and C, its flavour and goodness easily outclass supermarket-bought lettuce. Easy to grow, 'All Year Round' is a reliable cropper that is slow to bolt, so will crop over a long season. Regular sowings made every 2-3 weeks will ensure a continuous supply. Lettuces are typically ready to pick about 10 weeks after sowing. Supplied as a packet of 800 (approx.) seeds ready to sow indoors or outdoors in their cropping position.
A versatile, perennial bulb, producing a fantastic display of delicate pink and white in mid-late spring, this tulip variety is perfect for beds, borders and containers. With single-bloom, classic cup-shaped flowers growing on sturdy stems, they are resistant to wind and rain, with a fabulous bouquet that makes them ideal for cutting. Easy to grow, they thrive in rich fertile, well-drained conditions, enjoying full or afternoon sun. Plant in the autumn for mid-late spring flowering, each pretty bloom lasting 1-2 weeks in April. Supplied as a pack of 15 bulbs, they are best planted in groups in borders or pots. Mix them with any other solid-colour flowering bulb for a wonderful contrast.
Once a simple wild leaf, rocket has been in cultivation for centuries in its native Mediterranean countries and is now one of the most popular fresh culinary ingredients used in British kitchens today. A satisfying and easy crop to grow, it is quick to germinate and gives masses of fresh green leaves over a long season. Its distinctive peppery flavour adds an extra dimension to salads and many other hot and cold dishes, and the dark green, frilly leaves make a pretty garnish that is so tasty it is rarely left on the plate! Also highly nutritious, rocket is rich in potassium and vitamin C. Growing your own rocket is a much cheaper alternative to buying those supermarket bags, as well as being kinder to the environment and far less wasteful as you only need pick what you are going to use - the perfect 'cut-and-come-again' garden veg! Equally happy in containers as well as in the ground, rocket thrives in well-cultivated, moist but free-draining soil in a warm and sunny position, although it will benefit from some shade during very hot days to retain optimum flavour and texture. Successional sowings will give continuous crops over a long season. Leaves will be ready to harvest 6-7 weeks after sowing, or even from 2 weeks onwards for baby leaves. Supplied as a packet of 750 (approx.) seeds ready to sow outdoors from May to August, directly into the soil or container where they are to crop. Harvest from May to October, picking a few leaves from each plant so they will carry on growing. Late sowings will crop into winter if protected by cloches or horticultural fleece.
A cheerful perennial bulb, producing a burst of golden blooms in mid-late spring, 'Triumph Yellow' is perfect for beds, borders and containers. The single-bloom, classic cup-shaped flowers grow on sturdy stems and are resistant to wind and rain, with a fabulous bouquet that makes them ideal for cutting. Easy to grow, they thrive in rich fertile, well-drained conditions, enjoying full or afternoon sun. Plant in autumn for mid-late spring flowering, each golden bloom lasting up to 2 weeks in April. Supplied as a pack of 15 bulbs, they are best planted in groups in borders or pots. Mix them with other spring-flowering bulbs in bright colour combinations to give a fresh and vibrant display.
Regularly voted top of the list in supermarket tasting panels, 'Brodie F1' is one of the best varieties of Brussels sprouts you can grow. Exceptionally mild, and sweeter than most other varieties, there isn't a hint of bitterness or peppery flavour. It's easy to see why it has been given the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Easy to grow and reliable, this long-harvesting type has good resistance to mildew so you can be sure they will stay fresh on the plant for months. The buttons can be picked long into January or even February in optimal weather conditions. Growing your own veg is the most satisfying way of bringing top-quality, super healthy food to your plate - at a fraction of the cost of supermarket produce. Brussels sprouts are highly nutritious, too, being an excellent source of vitamins A, B and C - and with freshness you can't beat when picked straight from your garden. 'Brodie F1' will thrive in a sunny or semi-shaded position in well-cultivated, fertile, moist but well-draining soil. Sow indoors in a tray of compost from February to April for planting out in May; or outdoors from March to April, directly into a seed bed, border or raised bed. Harvest from November to January. Successive sowings will extend the cropping period. Supplied as a packet of 40 (approx.) seeds ready to sow indoors in a seed tray or outdoors directly into their cropping position. Grows to 70cm height x 45cm spread.
A bold, chestnut-brown pointed petal, tipped with ochre yellow, gives tulip 'Gavota' a distinct colour contrast that will add drama to your mid and late spring flowering. With long-lasting blooms through April and early May, they are an ideal choice to extend springtime flowering in your beds, borders and containers. Set on sturdy stems, the striking colours are enhanced by attractive green foliage, which provides a delightful display for your vase. An easy-to-grow hardy bulb, they thrive in rich fertile, well-drained conditions, enjoying full or afternoon sun - plant plenty in the autumn to enjoy flowering well into spring and give enough for cut flowers. Supplied as a pack of 15 bulbs, they are best planted in groups in borders or pots and can be combined with other spring-flowering bulbs, early flowering perennials and shrubs for a stunning display.
Dating back to the late 19th century, this heirloom variety is justly popular for its flavour and its heavy crops of round, stringless pods. With consistently good results over a long cropping season, this prolific climbing French bean produces clusters of fleshy pods that have a superior texture and taste and are rich in vitamins and fibre. As well as being easy to grow, 'Blue Lake' makes an attractive feature whether grown in the veg garden or nestled amongst herbaceous plants in your beds and borders. They look particularly good when grown up a trellis or 'wigwam' of canes, not least for their pretty white flowers. Plant them with sweet peas for a pleasing contrast of colours. 'Blue Lake' is generally grown as a green bean for cooking. In fact, they should not be eaten raw as they contain toxins that are destroyed in the cooking process. The pods are best picked young to increase yields, and steamed or boiled rapidly to make the best of their flavour and texture, as well as to retain the most nutrients. Inside the rich green pods are white seeds or beans, which can be harvested from pods that are left to mature for longer on the plant. They can then be dried and stored to be used as haricot beans in soups and stews. This climbing bean will thrive in neutral, humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in a sunny position. Sow the seeds indoors from April to May to plant out May to June; or sow outdoors from May to July, directly where they are to crop. Harvest from July to October. Supplied as a pack of 100 (approx.) seeds ready to sow indoors into individual pots or outdoors directly into their cropping position. Grows to 180cm height x 45cm spread.
Tulipa urumiensis, or 'Tarda', produces an abundance of canary yellow, fragrant flowers with bright white, pointed tips - giving a cheerful 'egg yolk' appearance, set amid glossy, bright-green leaves. Easy to grow and with short, sturdy stems of up to 15cm, this is a perfect choice for rock and gravel gardens and containers; it is equally happy in beds and borders - or even for populating grassy areas. A favourite for cut flowers, they look stunning in a vase. Each clump has up to 6 star-shaped, blooms. With its pointed petals and open-cupped demeanour, the 'Tarda' variety is a more natural-looking tulip than its hybrid cousins. An enduring favourite, this easy-to-grow ancient variety was first cultivated in the late 16th century. These fully hardy tulips are best planted in a sunny or lightly shaded position, in rich, well-drained soil. Plant with other spring-flowering bulbs, perennials or shrubs to add a cheerful highlight to any colour scheme. Supplied as a pack of 30 bulbs, size 6/7 for autumn planting.
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 fosteriana tulip that grows to around 30cm tall, 'Concerto' bears large, fragrant, buttercream flowers with yellow bases and black centres. Set amid attractive grey-green foliage, their exquisite colouring will mix beautifully with bolder colours. A mid-height, long-lasting tulip with sturdy stems, it is perfect for beds, borders and containers, and make an excellent cut flower. Easy to grow and fully hardy, 'Concerto' will flower from April to May, adding a fresh and vibrant feel to your spring garden, patio or decking. Otherwise known as Emperor tulips, fosteriana varieties are closely related to their wild ancestors so will naturalise easily if left in the ground. Supplied as a pack of 15 bulbs for autumn planting, they are best placed in a sunny or lightly shaded position, in rich, well-drained soil.
New to us for 2019, this completely thornless and vigorous golden autumn raspberry has been bred in the UK by the world-famous East Malling Research facility. Primocane raspberries are the big gardeners' breakthrough - they produce fruit on NEW stems, so you get fruit in the same year as you plant them, rather than wait a year for old-fashioned types. In addition, you can increase cropping by tip pruning existing canes which then develop side shoots for a truly phenomenal harvest of raspberries. Easy to grow, upright and robust, the canes are completely thornless and can be grown in a large container using bamboo for support so you don't even need a garden, and they're fully hardy and easy to keep as well, just cut back old, fruited canes to the ground in spring. The very large, firm, conical fruit have a beautiful, apricot colour and a fabulous, gourmet flavour which develops as the berries ripen, so wait until the fruits turn from yellow to apricot before picking. Supplied as an established plant in a 12cm pot ready for immediate planting, plants reach approx. 2m tall and 60cm wide and you can expect your first fruits from the middle of August through September.
Growing your own lettuce is so simple, and this mix of quality seeds gives fast results - either sown in the ground or in containers. It's an easy and environmentally friendly way of ensuring a constant supply of fresh, tasty salad leaves all through the summer - much cheaper and less wasteful than expensive bagged lettuce you buy in the supermarket. This superb mixed lettuce selection will produce a variety of different shapes, colours and textures throughout the season. The packet includes equal seed quantities of: Catalogna, Cocarde, Curled Red American, Grand Rapids, Red salad bowl, Rossa di Trento. Varieties grow at different rates, giving a different salad mix at every cut. Succulent and as fresh as you can get directly from your garden, these salad leaves are a good source of minerals and vitamins A and C; their flavour and goodness easily outclass shop-bought lettuce. Sow outdoors from May to August, where they are to crop, in fertile, moisture-retentive soil in a sunny or semi-shaded position. Harvest from April to October, picking a few leaves from each plant; this will stimulate further growth of new, young leaves and allow you to keep cutting up to 4 times. Or pull the lettuces whole once they have reached full maturity. Supplied as a packet of 775 (approx.) seeds ready to sow outdoors in their cropping position. Grows to 30cm by 30cm.
Deep salmon-pink flowers with golden centres, rising above mounds of grey-green, mottled foliage, make 'Toronto' a lively addition to your garden in spring. An impressive multiheaded tulip, each bulb giving 3-5 long-lasting blooms, they flower from late April through May and will not fail to bring warmth to your planting schemes. One of the most popular varieties, this characterful greigii tulip boasts a well-deserved RHS Award of Garden Merit. Versatile and easy to grow, the large-petalled blooms on short, sturdy stems look stunning in rock gardens, beds, borders and containers. They also make an attractive display in a vase. This fully hardy perennial tulip is easy to grow and will naturalise well if left in the ground. Mix with contrasting colours for dramatic effect. Supplied as a pack of 15 bulbs ready for planting, they are best planted in groups in borders or pots. Place in a sunny or lightly shaded position in rich, well-drained soil.
This fast-growing and vigorous variety produces plentiful crops of bitter-free mini cucumbers. An 'all female' type, they are best grown in a greenhouse or tunnel, where seedless fruits can be produced if kept free from pollinators. 'All female' F1 hybrids give the surest results, producing almost all female flowers, virtually eliminating the need to remove male flowers (male flowers are generally only produced when plants become stressed). A worthy recipient of the RHS Award of Garden Merit, this is an easy-to-grow, long-standing favourite of vegetable growers and is frequently recommended by the gardening press and consumer groups as one of the best tasting cucumbers. Its high resistance to disease extends the growing season as the plants are less susceptible to powdery mildew, which can be prevalent towards the end of summer and into autumn, when light levels are lower. The dark green, thin-skinned fruits are best cut when about 18cm (7in) long and have a pleasing nutty flavour that is far superior to shop-bought cucumbers. As well as being super fresh and juicy when picked straight from the garden, these little beauties are packed with nutrients and antioxidants - they are a good source of vitamins K, B and C, as well as minerals such as potassium and magnesium. Supplied as a packet of 5 seeds ready to sow indoors from February to May. Plant out May to June into fertile, moisture-retentive but well draining soil in a greenhouse bed or tunnel, or into good quality compost in containers or growbags for growing under cover. Harvest from July to October (cooler-grown crops from August).
This appealing double tulip offers full, white flowers, each petal feathered with raspberry-red stripes as if painted on - hence the tulip family name of 'Rembrandt'. Their colour and form are perfectly framed by pretty, silvery-green foliage, and with long-lasting blooms from late April/May, they are an ideal choice to extend the springtime cheer in your beds, borders and containers. Their striking, bowl-shaped blossoms make a charming display in a vase. An easy-to-grow, hardy perennial, Carnaval de Nice thrives in rich fertile, well-drained conditions, enjoying full or afternoon sun. Plant in the autumn to enjoy flowering well into spring, with enough for plenty of cut flowers. Supplied as a pack of 12 bulbs, they are best planted in groups in borders or pots. Weave them amongst other spring-flowering bulbs for a stunning display.
Easy to grow, this long-lived herbaceous perennial, which is part of the onion family, is an essential addition to the herb garden. The edible leaves have a mild onion-like flavour and make an irresistible garnish for potatoes, omelettes, fish, salads, soups and many other dishes. The pinky purple, star-shaped flowers are also edible and are best picked just before opening to add a pretty and savoury highlight to your dishes. Chives can be grown indoors on your windowsill for year-round harvesting, although will grow more vigorously and achieve bigger plants when grown outdoors. As well as being a perfect choice for your vegetable beds, they can also make a great edging plant or provide some low-growing contrast in a mixed bed or border. They are equally happy growing in pots and containers. All they require is a moisture-retentive but well-drained fertile soil or compost in a sunny or semi-shaded position. The flowers produce nectar in abundance, so will attract bees, butterflies and other beneficial pollinators to your garden, with blooms appearing successively over a long season. In addition, this herb's slightly pungent aroma will repel insect pests such as carrot root fly, making it a great companion for vegetables or other herbs that are prone to infestation. Sow indoors all year for your windowsill or for planting out from May to June. Or sow outdoors from March to May, in beds or containers directly where they are to crop, where they can be cut for culinary use from late spring through to the first frosts of autumn. Plants will grow less vigorously through the winter, when they will die back somewhat, although it may be possible to still cut some leaves fresh for the kitchen. Supplied as a packet of 500 (approx.) seeds ready to sow indoors or outdoors in pots or directly into a bed or border. Grows to 40cm height by 30cm spread.