New guide to help gardeners grow flowers from seed

A new Teagasc publication ‘A Short Guide to Growing Flowers from Seed’ was launched on Thursday, May 28, at Bord Bia Bloom.

Offering helpful advice to growers of all ages and experience levels, the guide was compiled by Dónall Flanagan, Nursery Stock / Ornamentals Specialised Advisor at Teagasc, who said from the launch: “When compared to previous decades, gardening surveys show that fewer people are starting plants from seed, with a loss of confidence identified as one of the reasons.

© TeagascProfessor Frank O’Mara, Teagasc Director, and Dónall Flanagan, Teagasc author of the publication and Nursery Stock / Ornamentals Specialised Advisor

“This new guide aims to address this by offering practical support for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.”

Covered within the publication are key topics including what to know before you grow, starting seed indoors, the lifecycle of flowers, seed establishment methods, plant care and maintenance, and common pests and diseases.

The guide also features tips and advice for growing 17 varieties of flowering plants, from sunflowers – often the first array of many school children when it comes to growing flowering plants from seed – to colourful annuals and biennials that can add a splash of colour to your garden or window boxes.

“Growing flowers from seed is simple, inexpensive and deeply rewarding,” Dónall Flanagan added: “It offers gardeners greater choice and flexibility, while also providing an easy way to introduce children and beginners to the joys of gardening.

“This guide brings together practical tips, step-by-step instructions and advice to help people succeed when growing flowering plants from seed,” Dónall Flanagan said.

Also speaking from the launch, Dr Michael Gaffney, Acting Head of Horticulture Development Department at Teagasc, said: “This publication, A Short Guide to Growing Flowers from Seed, builds on the work Teagasc has conducted over the last seven years with Fleuroselect, the ornamental plants industry body. It’s a practical guide useful for all growers, regardless of skill or experience, and it highlights the vast opportunities and beauty that can be created by digging in and growing flowering plants from seed.”

Download your copy of ‘A Short Guide to Growing Flowers from Seed’ here.

Source: Teagasc