Unwins Grow Your Own Canterbury Bells Cup & Saucer Blooms Flower Seeds
Best current price£4.49from B&Q
Best offers
Shopping.co.uk recommended and popular offers
B&Q£4.49Visit shop B&Q - Flower SeedsCanterbury Bells Cup & Saucer
Visit shopB&Q£4.49Visit shop All Offers
2 offers from £4.49 - £4.79
View price history by clicking the chart icon.
OnBuy.comUnwins Grow Your Own Canterbury Bells Cup & Saucer Blooms Flower Seeds
Free delivery in 1–3 days
£4.79
Visit shop
Product Information
Full details
This guide is for home gardeners looking to add traditional cottage garden charm to their borders or arrangements. The Unwins Canterbury Bells Cup and Saucer Blooms offer beautiful, double bell-shaped flowers, providing a unique 'cup and saucer' visual effect. A key consideration is that this is a hardy biennial, requiring sowing in one season for blooms in the next.
All features
| Brand | Unwins |
|---|
Extended Product Information
FAQs
When is the best time to sow Canterbury Bells seeds?
Sow seeds in April-June for flowering in May-July of the following year. You can also sow directly outdoors in late spring/early summer.
What is a biennial plant?
A biennial plant completes its life cycle in two growing seasons. It typically grows foliage in the first year and flowers, sets seed, and dies in the second year.
How tall do Canterbury Bells grow?
These specific seeds typically grow to a height of 70-80cm.
Can I grow these in pots?
Yes, they can be grown in pots or containers, provided the container is large enough and has good drainage. Ensure they receive adequate watering.
Are Canterbury Bells suitable for cut flowers?
Absolutely. Their upright stems and striking bell-shaped flowers make them superb for cutting and arranging indoors.
What conditions do they prefer?
They prefer a sunny to partially shaded location with well-drained soil. They are hardy and can tolerate a range of conditions if drainage is adequate.
How should I care for them over winter?
As hardy biennials, they can usually overwinter outdoors. A mulch around the base can provide extra protection in colder climates.
Troubleshooting
Seeds not germinating
Ensure seeds are fresh, sown at the correct depth, and kept consistently moist in a warm environment (15-20°C).
Seedlings are leggy and weak
Provide more light and cooler growing conditions. Ensure they are not overcrowded.
Plants not flowering in the second year
Verify that the plants were sown in the correct season (spring/early summer) for flowering the following year. Ensure they received adequate nutrients and water.
Pest infestation (slugs, snails)
Use organic slug pellets, beer traps, or physically remove pests, especially in the evenings.
Poor flower development or color
Ensure adequate sunlight, fertile soil, and consistent watering. Lack of nutrients can affect bloom quality.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Adds significant aesthetic appeal to gardens and bouquets.
- Relatively easy to grow for a biennial.
- Provides a long blooming season.
- Attractive to pollinators.
- Versatile for both ornamental and cut flower purposes.
Cons
- Requires sowing in the first year for blooms in the second year.
- Can be susceptible to slugs and snails.
- May require staking in windy conditions due to height.
- Prefers well-drained soil, can struggle in waterlogged conditions.
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Sowing: Sow seeds thinly in trays or pots of seed compost during April to June. Cover lightly with compost or fine grit. Germination usually takes 10-21 days at a temperature of 15-20°C.
Transplanting: Once seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots or modules. Grow them on in cooler conditions and plant them out in their final positions in the autumn, spacing them about 30-45cm apart. Alternatively, sow directly into well-prepared soil outdoors in late spring/early summer.
Soil & Location: Prefers a sunny to partially shaded position in well-drained soil. Avoid waterlogged areas. The soil should be fertile and regularly weeded.
Care: Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming. For taller varieties, consider staking plants to prevent wind damage. Protect young plants from slugs and snails.
Overwintering: As biennials, they will typically survive milder winters outdoors. Mulching around the base in late autumn can offer extra protection.