Summer Flowering Bulbs, Seed Potatoes, Onion Sets and Garlic Have Arrived!

Our glass house is looking rather lovely at the moment with lots of gorgeous winter bedding, seed potatoes, garlic and onion sets, and summer flowering bulbs!

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Summer Flowering Bulbs

We have a wide selection of beautiful summer-flowering bulbs that will bring impressive flower displays to your garden, not only do they look fabulous growing in borders or containers, but they also make excellent cut blooms to adorn your home too!

We have lots to choose from, including the highly popular dahlias, iris, lilies, gladioli, and anemone to name but a few. Many of our summer-flowering bulbs are hardy and only need to be planted once to enjoy blooms year after year, but some tender species such as dahlias and gladioli can’t survive the frost and should be lifted and stored over the winter to be replanted again the next spring.

Most Summer-flowering bulbs prefer a warm, sunny position, the sunlight and warmth help to make the plants grow faster and flower more abundantly, however begonias also do very well in shady spots. Dahlias and begonias flower all summer long while lilies and gladioli flower in shorter vibrant bursts.

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How to plant Summer-flowering Bulbs

You should plant the bulb with the tip pointing upwards and the roots pointing downwards, this may seem obvious, but it can be difficult to tell which end of a bulb is the tip. If you can’t tell the tip from the roots, plant the bulb on its side.
Generally, bulbs should be planted twice the depth of the bulb.
Ideally, bulbs should be planted in well-drained, fertile soil, but in any case, grit should be added into the hole before planting.
Fill in the hole and compact gently.

Planting summer flowering bulbs is a great time to refresh your gardening gear with a sturdy pair of gloves and a kneeler to make the work more comfortable, a matching set can add both practicality and a touch of style for your gardening tasks. There are some lovely patterns available at the moment ranging from floral designs to cheerful prints that are as vibrant as the blooms you’re planting.

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Seed Potatoes

Nothing beats the taste of freshly harvested potatoes! Our seed potato varieties cater to every gardener, whether you prefer early, mid-season, or maincrop types. Remember to chit your seed potatoes by placing them in a cool, bright space before planting to encourage sprouting.

First earlies, second earlies, and main crop seed potatoes offer a way to stagger your potato harvest for a continuous supply.

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First earlies, such as Pentland Javelin are the quickest to mature and are typically ready to harvest within 12 weeks. They should be planted in early spring, around late February to early March, in frost-free conditions or under cloches.

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Second earlies, including varieties like Charlotte, follow shortly after, typically maturing within 15 weeks. These can be planted from mid to late March.

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Main crop potatoes, such Maris Piper, perfect for hearty roasts and baked potatoes, take the longest to mature, and should be ready to harvest within 16-20 weeks. They should be planted in late March to early April. By planting these types in succession, you’ll enjoy a staggered harvest from early summer through autumn, ensuring a steady supply of fresh potatoes.

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Garlic

Garlic is a must-have for any kitchen garden, and it’s surprisingly easy to grow! Choose from:

Eden Rose has a strong, flavourful pink cloves

Elephant Garlic with its oversized cloves and delicious mild flavour

Cristo produces plump cloves with a delicious and strong flavour

Rhapsody Wight has pretty purple streaks with a mottling appearance, boasting a fresh and lively flavour

Plant garlic in rich, well-drained soil in a sunny spot, spacing the cloves a few inches apart for a bountiful harvest.

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Onion sets

Popular varieties to consider include Mikor and Red Sun, both excellent shallot options, as well as Centurion F1 and Hercules F1, known for their reliable yields and robust flavours. Another favourite, Stuttgarter Giant, produces large, semi-flat onions ideal for cooking and storing.

Planting onion sets in the spring is a straightforward way to ensure a bountiful harvest of flavourful bulbs. Begin by selecting a sunny, well-drained location and preparing the soil with compost or organic matter for optimal growth. Plant the sets about 1 inch deep and 4-6 inches apart, with the pointed tip facing upward. Water consistently but avoid over-saturating, and you’ll enjoy a versatile and satisfying crop.