February Planting Guidance

As February moves into March, signs of spring start appearing everywhere.  Light levels are starting to lift, hardy annuals are ready to be sown, and summer bulbs can be tucked in now for a long, elegant display later in the year.  Here's your step‑by‑step guide to planting everything in your February Willowherb box.

Video guidance

 

The Summer Planting Quartet

Galtonia candicans AGM

Tall, fragrant and graceful, Galtonia bulbs are simple to plant now.

Planting in Borders

• Choose a sunny, free‑draining spot.
• Plant bulbs 10–15cm deep, spaced 15–20cm apart, pointed end up.
• Water lightly if needed and mark the spot.

Planting in Pots

1. Choose a large pot with drainage holes.
2. Fill two‑thirds with peat‑free compost mixed with grit.
3. Position bulbs evenly on the surface.
4. Cover with 10–15cm of compost and top with a thin layer of grit.
5. Place somewhere cool, bright and sheltered.
6. Keep compost lightly moist.
7. Move to final position in spring.

Larkspur 'Frosted Skies'

A hardy annual that germinates best in cool conditions.

Sowing in trays:

• Fill trays or modules with seed compost and level the surface.
• Scatter seed thinly on the surface.
• Cover very lightly with more compost, vermiculite or grit.
• Water gently and label.

Direct sowing:

• Choose a sunny, well‑drained spot.
• Rake soil to a fine tilth.
• Sow thinly, cover with 5mm soil, and water gently.

Growing On

• Place trays outside in a sheltered spot, cold frame or unheated greenhouse.
• Germination takes 2–4 weeks.
• Prick out at two true leaves into modules or 9cm pots.  (Or if well spaced, you can skip this step)
• Plant out March–May, spacing 20–30cm apart.

 

Ammi majus 'Graceland' AGM

One of the easiest and most rewarding hardy annuals.

Sowing

• Fill a seed tray with seed compost and level the surface.
• Sprinkle seeds thinly on top.
• Optional: dust with vermiculite or a thin layer of grit.
• Water from below or water gently.
• Label clearly.

Growing On

• Place trays outside in a sheltered spot, cold frame or unheated greenhouse.
• Germination takes 1–3 weeks.
• Prick out at two true leaves into modules or small pots.  (Or if well spaced, you can skip this step - Ammi is not over fond of having its roots disturbed).
• Plant out March–May, spacing 25–30cm apart.

Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens'

Cerinthe seeds are larger and easier to handle than Ammi or Larkspur.

Sowing

• Fill pots or modules with seed compost.
• Drop one seed per cell onto the surface.
• Push 1cm deep with your fingertip.
• Cover lightly.
• Water gently and label.

Growing On

• Place somewhere cool and bright — Cerinthe doesn't need warmth.
• Germination usually takes 1–3 weeks.
• Once seedlings have two true leaves, pot on into 9cm pots if not already in 9cm pots.
• Keep compost just moist.

Planting Out

• Plant out March–May, spacing 25–30cm apart.
• Choose a sunny spot with good drainage.
• Cerinthe flowers early and long, especially if deadheaded.

Planting the Quartet Together

These four plants complement each other beautifully in borders or large containers:

• Galtonia provides height and elegant white bells.
• Larkspur adds vertical spires in soft blues and whites.
• Ammi brings airy, lacy structure.
• Cerinthe adds sculptural form and rich colour.

If planting in pots, position the Galtonia bulbs first, then add young Larkspur, Ammi and Cerinthe plants in spring around and between them.  All four thrive in full sun and well‑drained soil.

 

Rhubarb Chard AGM

Sowing

• Fill modules or trays with seed compost.
• Make shallow 1cm holes and drop in one seed per cell.
• Cover lightly, water gently and label.
• Or - sow direct in a 1cm drill, the large seeds are easy to space out.

Planting Out

• Germination usually takes 7–14 days.
• Plant out March–May, spacing 25–30cm apart.
• Choose a sunny or lightly shaded spot with fertile soil.
• Water regularly in dry spells.

Harvesting

• Pick baby leaves for tender salads.
• Pick larger leaves for cooking.
• Regular picking encourages fresh growth for months.