While there might be an autumnal nip in the air, there are several flowers you can sow in October for beautiful blooms.
If sowing seeds directly, be sure to prepare the ground first – weed thoroughly, then fork over the soil, treading to consolidate it, and rake to create a level surface and fine tilth.
On the forum: Share your seed sowing tips or ask for advice
Discover some of our favourite flowers to sow in October.
Phacelia
While not native to the UK, this annual is one of the best plants for bees and other pollinators, and it makes a great green manure. Prepare a patch of bare soil and direct sow the seeds for spring blooms – a spot in full sun is ideal.
Buy Phacelia at Crocus for £2.79
Cow parsley
Cow parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris ‘Ravenswing’) self-seeds readily, but you can give it a helping hand or introduce it to new areas by sowing the seeds directly now. When harvesting the seeds, keep the starry flowerheads intact as they’ll provide lovely winter interest.
Sweet woodruff
Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum) is a shade-loving perennial, often used as a groundcover plant. Sow the seeds directly in autumn in raked, improved soil for spring germination.
Cowslips
Cowslips (Primula veris) are tough little perennials that relish a partially shady spot in the garden. Fresh seeds need a cold period to germinate, so sow fresh seed now where they are to flower. Look for signs of germination in spring.
Buy Cowslips at Crocus from £2.99
Orlaya grandiflora
This pretty Mediterranean native is commonly known as white laceflower. Sow in autumn to overwinter, for early blooms next year.
Buy White laceflower at Crocus for £2.49
