The Spring Box - Planting Guidance
The Willowherb Spring Box is packed full of lovely things to start sowing and growing through April, May and June.
Here's a handy planting guide to get everything off to a great start.
Video Guidance: coming soon
DAHLIA ‘BISHOP OF DOVER’ (TUBERS)
When to start: Pot up in April for a headstart or plant straight out in May-June after all risk of frost has passed.
Where: Indoors or in a bright, frost-free spot if starting early.
Final position: Full sun
Planting depth: Leave the 'eyes' at the top just above the surface.
Spacing outdoors: 40–50 cm
How to grow: Pot each tuber into a 2–3 litre pot of multipurpose compost. Keep the old stem facing up and just sticking out. Water once and keep just moist. Shoots appear in 2–4 weeks. Harden off in late April/May and plant out after frost. Pinch out the growing tip at 20–30 cm to encourage bushiness. Stake if needed and feed fortnightly once in active growth.
What to expect: Single, bee-friendly blooms from midsummer to the first frosts, glowing white-to-pink against deep purple foliage.
SCABIOUS ‘OXFORD BLUE’ (SEEDS)
When to sow: Under cover in April; or direct sow April–June
Where: Modules, small pots, or direct into soil
Spacing: 25–30 cm
Final position: Full sun or light shade
How to grow: Sow thinly onto moist compost and cover very lightly. Germination takes 10–20 days. Pot on once seedlings have two true leaves. Harden off before planting out. For direct sowing, rake soil to a fine tilth and sow in shallow drills.
What to expect: Soft pincushion flowers on airy stems, bringing movement and a meadow-like feel. Excellent for pollinators and cutting.
NIGELLA ‘DELFT BLUE’ (SEEDS)
When to sow: April under cover; or direct sow May-June
Where: Modules, trays, or direct into soil
Spacing: 15–20 cm
Final position: Full sun
How to grow: Sow thinly and cover with 5 mm of compost. Keep cool and lightly moist. Transplant carefully - Nigella dislikes root disturbance - so modules are ideal. For direct sowing, scatter seeds where they are to flower and thin later.
What to expect: Filigree foliage, floating 'delft pottery' flowers and decorative seedpods. Will gently self-seed for future years.
ORLAYA GRANDIFLORA (SEEDS)
When to sow: April under cover; or direct sow May-June
Where: Modules or a sheltered outdoor seedbed
Spacing: 20–25 cm
Final position: Full sun
How to grow: Sow into modules and cover lightly. Keep cool; Orlaya germinates best at lower temperatures. Germination can be slow and irregular. Transplant once seedlings are sturdy and roots fill the module. Harden off before planting out.
What to expect: Refined, lacy white umbels that brighten and lift the whole scheme. Superb for wildlife and cutting.
CUCUMBER ‘DIAMANT’ F1 (SEEDS)
When to sow: April-May under cover or June outdoors
Where: Modules or 9 cm pots
Spacing: 45 cm outdoors; 1 plant per pot under cover
Final position: Warm sheltered spot or greenhouse
How to grow: Sow one seed per pot on its side, 1–2 cm deep. Keep warm (18–22°C) and moist but not waterlogged. Pot on as plants grow. Harden off before planting outside after frost. Provide a cane or string for support. Water regularly and feed weekly once fruits begin to form.
What to expect: Crisp, mini cucumbers with excellent flavour and no bitterness. A reliable, mildew-resistant variety ideal for snacking and salads.