How to sow half-hardy annuals

Here's how to sow half-hardy annuals.

You Will Need

• Seed tray
• Multi-purpose, peat-free compost
• Half-hardy annual seeds
• Vermiculite

Step 1

Fill a tray with compost, then sow a tiny pinch of seeds in each cell. Cover with vermiculite, water and place the tray in a propagator in a warm spot.

Step 2

Once seeds have sprouted, wait until two pairs of leaves form. Transplant each seedling into a 7cm pot filled with sieved compost.

Step 3

Water well after transplanting and keep the pots in a warm, bright place. Avoid exposure to bright sunlight, which can scorch the young leaves.

Step 4

When all risk of frost has passed, move the plants to a cold frame or patio, bringing them in at night. After a week you can plant them outside.

Sowing half-hardy annuals outside

You can also sow half-hardy annuals directly outside in late spring or early summer once frosts have passed. Try sowing cosmos, zinnia, nasturtiums and French marigolds this way.