It’s April, that most magical of months, when nature’s life force quickens day by day and every tiny seed sown is a powerful spell racing to transform itself. With that in mind, below are 10 fast-growing, ultra-productive annuals that I wouldn’t be without, all of which can be raised from seed sown in the next couple of weeks.
Cosmos/Cosmos bipinnatus: One of the superstars of the summer garden, this fast-growing, floriferous half-hardy annual looks every bit as at home in a pot in a chic town courtyard garden as it does in a potager-style allotment, while it also makes a fantastic cut-flower. Depending on the variety, its daisy-like flowers can be of the purest white (examples include Cosmos ‘Purity’ and Cosmos ‘Fizzy White’), shocking-pink (Cosmos ‘Dazzler’), and ruby red (Cosmos ‘Rubenza’). For something extra special, seek out seed of the shimmering-pink Cosmos ‘Xsenia’ and the peachy Cosmos ‘Apricotta’. Cosmos likes a position in full sun and a free-draining, not overly fertile soil or compost.
For reliably good results, sow seed into a 2L-3L pot filled with a good-quality seed compost (ideally lightened with a handful of fine-grade vermiculite), bottom water by placing it in a shallow container of water up to its waist overnight, and then cover an upturned clear freezer bag sealed with an elastic band before placing them on a bright window sill to germinate. As soon as they do, start gradually removing the bag to slowly improve ventilation. Once full germination has occurred, remove the upturned bag and very gently water as required, taking care not to bruise any of that tender new growth. When those baby seedlings produce their first set of “true leaves” (leaves that look similar to the adult plants), prick them
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