Seed list and germination guide

Discover the joy of growing from seed with the RHS Members’ Seed Scheme, a curated collection of inspiring plant varieties paired with expert germination know-how to help every seed get off to a flying start

RHS Seed Collections 2026

Award winners

Proven performers that never disappoint, with accolades to match their brilliance:

AGM Collection 1

Lunaria rediviva

0.5–1 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Lunaria rediviva

Lysimachia ephemerum

0.5–1 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Lysimachia ephemerum

Libertia chilensis

0.5–1 metres
0.5–1 metres

Libertia chilensis

Lunaria rediviva

0.5–1 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Lunaria rediviva

Lysimachia ephemerum

0.5–1 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Lysimachia ephemerum

Libertia chilensis

0.5–1 metres
0.5–1 metres

Libertia chilensis

Sow in spring
Surface sow as requires light for germination
Germination in 14–30 days at 15–20°C

Gillenia trifoliata (Bowman’s root)

Sow in autumn
Requires a period of cold, moist stratification
Germination within 30–90 days at 15–18°C

Libertia chilensis (New Zealand satin flower)

Sow in autumn, lightly covering seeds
Requires a period of cold, moist stratification
Germination within one year at 15–20°C

Lunaria rediviva (perennial honesty)

Sow in summer, lightly covering seeds
May require a period of cold, moist stratification
Germination in 90 days at 15–20°C but can be erratic

Lysimachia ephemerum (willow-leaved loosestrife)

Sow in the autumn lightly covering seeds
Requires a period of cold, moist stratification
Germination in 90 days at 13–18°C but can be erratic

AGM Collection 2

Silene chalcedonica

0.5–1 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Silene chalcedonica

Maianthemum racemosum

0.5–1 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Maianthemum racemosum

Baptisia australis

1–1.5 metres
0.5–1 metres

Baptisia australis

Silene chalcedonica

0.5–1 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Silene chalcedonica

Maianthemum racemosum

0.5–1 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Maianthemum racemosum

Baptisia australis

1–1.5 metres
0.5–1 metres

Baptisia australis

Sow in autumn
Chip or scarify seeds and then soak for 12 hours in hot (not boiling) water
Sow and cover with grit
Requires a period of cold, moist stratification
Germination within 60 days at 20°C

Digitalis grandiflora (large yellow foxglove)

Surface sow seeds in late spring as they need light to germinate
Germination in 30–90 days at 15°C

Maianthemum racemosum (false spikenard)

Sow in late summer, lightly covering seeds
Requires a period of warm stratification followed by a period of cold, moist stratification
Germination up to one year at 10–15°C

Pulsatilla vulgaris (pasqueflower)

Sow in autumn lightly covering seeds
Requires a period of cold, moist stratification
Germination in up to one year, at 13–16°C

Lychnis chalcedonica (Maltese cross)

Direct sow in spring or autumn, lightly covering seeds
Germination in up to 30 days at 16–21°C

Seasonal colour

Fill every corner with a burst of life and seasonal stars that keep your garden glowing:

Annuals Collection 1

Eccremocarpus scaber

2.5–4 metres
0.5–1 metres

Eccremocarpus scaber

Amaranthus cruentus

1.5–2.5 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Amaranthus cruentus

Alcea ficifolia

1.5–2.5 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Alcea ficifolia

Eccremocarpus scaber

2.5–4 metres
0.5–1 metres

Eccremocarpus scaber

Amaranthus cruentus

1.5–2.5 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Amaranthus cruentus

Alcea ficifolia

1.5–2.5 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Alcea ficifolia

Sow in spring, lightly covering seeds
Germination in 10–15 days at 15–21°C

Amaranthus cruentus (purple amaranth)

Surface sow in spring as light required for germination
Germination in 90 days at 21–24°C

Calendula officinalis (common marigold)

Direct sow in spring or autumn
Germination within 30 days at 15°C

Cleome houtteana (spider flower)

Surface sow seeds
Germination seems to improve with warm days and cooler nights
Germination in up to 30 days at 18–24°C

Eccremocarpus scaber (Chilean glory flower)

Sow in spring lightly covering seeds
Germination within 90 days at 13–16°C, but can be erratic

Annuals Collection 2

Nicandra physalodes

1–1.5 metres
0.5–1 metres

Nicandra physalodes

Xerochrysum bracteatum

0.5–1 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Xerochrysum bracteatum

Eryngium giganteum

0.5–1 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Eryngium giganteum

Nicandra physalodes

1–1.5 metres
0.5–1 metres

Nicandra physalodes

Xerochrysum bracteatum

0.5–1 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Xerochrysum bracteatum

Eryngium giganteum

0.5–1 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Eryngium giganteum

Moisten seed and place on a piece of kitchen roll and then place in a sealed plastic bag
Seed will germinate in 30 days at 15°C

Lunaria annua (honesty)

Sow in summer
May require a period of cold, moist stratification
Germination in 90 days at 15–20°C, but can be erratic

Nicandra physalodes (apple of Peru)

Sow in spring, indoors or direct sow, lightly covering seeds
Germination within 90 days at 15–24°C

Nicotiana langsdorffii (Langsdorff’s tobacco plant)

Surface sow in spring as seeds require light to germinate
Germination in up to 90 days at 18–20°C

Xerochrysum bracteatum (everlasting flower)

Sow indoors from March or direct sow outdoors from May, covering seeds lightly
Germination in 30 days at 18°C

Specialist picks

For those who like to grow beyond the ordinary – rare, refined, and utterly rewarding:

Connoisseur Collection 1

Hydrangea bifida

0.1–0.5 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Hydrangea bifida

Amsonia tabernaemontana var. salicifolia

0.5–1 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Amsonia tabernaemontana var. salicifolia

Asclepias incarnata

1–1.5 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Asclepias incarnata

Hydrangea bifida

0.1–0.5 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Hydrangea bifida

Amsonia tabernaemontana var. salicifolia

0.5–1 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Amsonia tabernaemontana var. salicifolia

Asclepias incarnata

1–1.5 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Asclepias incarnata

Surface sow in spring or autumn as light is required for germination
Germination in 90 days at 13–16°C

Asclepias incarnata (swamp milkweed)

Sow in autumn
Requires a period of cold, moist stratification
Germination in up to 30 days at 20°C

Chelone obliqua (twisted shell flower)

Sow in spring, lightly covering seeds
Good drainage required
Germination within 90 days at 15°C

Glycyrrhiza yunnanensis (Yunnan liquorice)

Sow in spring
Soak seeds in cold water for 24 hours before sowing
Germination within 30–90 days at 15–18°C

Hydrangea bifida (two-lobed false hydrangea)

Surface sow seeds in spring
Germination can take more than 90 days at 13–16°C, but can be erratic

Connoisseur Collection 2

Potentilla nepalensis

0.5–1 metres
0.5–1 metres

Potentilla nepalensis

Tigridia pavonia

1–1.5 metres
0–0.1 metre

Tigridia pavonia

Veronicastrum virginicum f. roseum

1–1.5 metres
0.5–1 metres

Veronicastrum virginicum f. roseum

Potentilla nepalensis

0.5–1 metres
0.5–1 metres

Potentilla nepalensis

Tigridia pavonia

1–1.5 metres
0–0.1 metre

Tigridia pavonia

Veronicastrum virginicum f. roseum

1–1.5 metres
0.5–1 metres

Veronicastrum virginicum f. roseum

Sow in spring
Seeds need to be kept moist and dark
Germination in up to 30 days at 13–18°C but can be erratic

Limonium coriarium (broad-leaved statice)

Sow in early spring indoors or direct sow in May
Germination in up to 20 days at 18–21°C

Potentilla nepalensis (Nepalese cinquefoil)

Sow in autumn, lightly covering with soil
Requires cold moist stratification
Germination will occur the following spring

Tigridia pavonia (peacock tiger flower)

Sow in spring
Species resents root disturbance
Germination can take up to one year at 15°C

Veronicastrum virginicum f. roseum (rosy Culver’s root)

Leave seeds uncovered as require light to germinate
Germination can take up to 90 days at 16–21°C

Easy choices

Beautiful gardens made simple with dependable doers anyone can grow:

Easy-to-Grow Collection 1

Campanula latifolia

1–1.5 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Campanula latifolia

Dianthus carthusianorum

0.1–0.5 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Dianthus carthusianorum

Althaea officinalis

1.5–2.5 metres
1–1.5 metres

Althaea officinalis

Campanula latifolia

1–1.5 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Campanula latifolia

Dianthus carthusianorum

0.1–0.5 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Dianthus carthusianorum

Althaea officinalis

1.5–2.5 metres
1–1.5 metres

Althaea officinalis

Surface sow as light required for germination
Germination in 90 days at 10–16°C

Angelica archangelica (angelica)

Surface sow in spring or autumn as require light for germination
Can be direct sown
Germination in 30–90 days at 10–15°C

Campanula latifolia (giant bellflower)

Surface sow in spring as require light to germinate
Germination in 90 days at 15–20°C

Cephalaria gigantea (giant scabious)

Sow in spring, lightly covering seeds
Germination within 90 days at 15°C

Dianthus carthusianorum (German pink)

Sow in spring, lightly covering seeds
Needs good drainage
Germination within 90 days at 15–20°C

Easy-to-Grow Collection 2

Oenothera lindheimeri (G)

1–1.5 metres
0.5–1 metres

Oenothera lindheimeri (G)

Erysimum cheiri

0.1–0.5 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Erysimum cheiri

Echium plantagineum

0.5–1 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Echium plantagineum

Oenothera lindheimeri (G)

1–1.5 metres
0.5–1 metres

Oenothera lindheimeri (G)

Erysimum cheiri

0.1–0.5 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Erysimum cheiri

Echium plantagineum

0.5–1 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Echium plantagineum

Sow seeds directly in situ in early spring
Germination within 30 days at 15–18°C

Erysimum cheiri (common wallflower)

Sow late summer for spring flowering, or late winter for autumn flowering
Lightly cover seeds
Germination within 30 days at 16–18°C

Nigella damascena (love-in-a-mist)

Direct sow in spring or autumn, lightly covering seeds
Germination within 90 days at 13–18°C

Oenothera lindheimeri (white gaura)

Sow in spring lightly covering seeds
Germination in 21–60 days at 20–25°C

Verbascum bombyciferum (Broussa mullein)

Sow in spring, lightly covering seeds
Germination in 14–21 days at 15–18°C

Naturalistic planting

Bring a touch of the wild home with plantings that move and change with the seasons:

Prairie Collection 1

Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea

1–1.5 metres
0.5–1 metres

Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea

Verbena bonariensis

1.5–2.5 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Verbena bonariensis

Stachys byzantina

0.1–0.5 metres
0.5–1 metres

Stachys byzantina

Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea

1–1.5 metres
0.5–1 metres

Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea

Verbena bonariensis

1.5–2.5 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Verbena bonariensis

Stachys byzantina

0.1–0.5 metres
0.5–1 metres

Stachys byzantina

Surface sow in spring
Germination within 30 days at 20°C

Eryngium bourgatii (Mediterranean eryngo)

Moisten seed and place on a piece of kitchen roll and then place in a sealed plastic bag
Seed will germinate in 30 days at 15°C

Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea (purple moor-grass)

Sow in autumn, lightly covering seeds
Requires a period of cold, moist stratification
Germination within six months at 10–15°C

Stachys byzantina (lamb’s ear)

Sow in spring, lightly covering seeds
Germination in 30–90 days at 18–21°C

Verbena bonariensis (purple top)

Sow in spring or autumn, lightly covering seeds
Germination in 90 days at 18–21°C, but can be erratic

Prairie Collection 2

Teucrium hircanicum

0.5–1 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Teucrium hircanicum

Stipa gigantea

1.5–2.5 metres
0.5–1 metres

Stipa gigantea

Asphodelus aestivus

0.5–1 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Asphodelus aestivus

Teucrium hircanicum

0.5–1 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Teucrium hircanicum

Stipa gigantea

1.5–2.5 metres
0.5–1 metres

Stipa gigantea

Asphodelus aestivus

0.5–1 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Asphodelus aestivus

Sow in spring, lightly covering seed
Resents root disturbance
Germination in 30–90 days at 16–21°C

Deschampsia cespitosa (tufted hair grass)

Sow in spring, lightly covering seeds
Germination within 30 days at 20°C

Miscanthus nepalensis (Himalayan fairy grass)

Surface sow in spring as light required for germination
May require a period of cold, moist stratification
Germination in 90 days at 21–27°C

Stipa gigantea (golden oats)

Sow in well-drained compost in spring
Germination in 30–90 days at 18–21°C

Teucrium hircanicum (Caucasian germander)

Sow in spring, lightly covering seeds
Germination can take up to 30 days at 16–21°C

Meadow-Mix Collection 1

Coreopsis tinctoria

0.5–1 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Coreopsis tinctoria

Centaurea cyanus

0.5–1 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Centaurea cyanus

Betonica officinalis

0.5–1 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Betonica officinalis

Coreopsis tinctoria

0.5–1 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Coreopsis tinctoria

Centaurea cyanus

0.5–1 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Centaurea cyanus

Betonica officinalis

0.5–1 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Betonica officinalis

Sow direct, lightly covering seeds
Germination in 30–90 days at 13–16°C

Ammi majus (false bishop’s weed)

Can be sown in spring or autumn
Germination can be erratic but usually in 21 days at 16–21°C

Betonica officinalis (betony)

Sow in autumn, lightly covering seeds
Requires a period of cold, moist stratification
Germination in 30–90 days at 15–20°C

Centaurea cyanus (cornflower)

Direct sow in spring, lightly covering seeds
Germination in 30 days at 10–15°C

Coreopsis tinctoria (dyer’s tickseed)

Direct sow in spring, lightly covering seeds
Germination in 30 days at 15–20°C

Meadow-Mix Collection 2

Daucus carota

0.5–1 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Daucus carota

Glebionis segetum

0.5–1 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Glebionis segetum

Malva moschata

0.5–1 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Malva moschata

Daucus carota

0.5–1 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Daucus carota

Glebionis segetum

0.5–1 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Glebionis segetum

Malva moschata

0.5–1 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Malva moschata

Sow in spring, lightly covering seeds
Germination within 30 days at 15–20°C

Daucus carota (wild carrot)

Direct sow in spring or summer, lightly covering seeds
Germination in 30 days at 10–15°C

Glebionis segetum (corn marigold)

Can be sown indoors in spring, or directly outdoors slightly later
Germination in 10–14 days at 16–21°C

Malva moschata (musk mallow)

Sow in early summer, lightly covering seeds
Germination can take up to 90 days at 16–21°C

Papaver somniferum (opium poppy)

Best sown direct in spring, lightly covering seeds
Germination in up to 90 days at 13–18°C

Structural interest

Add height, shape and year-round focus with plants that give your garden presence:

Grasses Collection

Pennisetum alopecuroides

1–1.5 metres
1–1.5 metres

Pennisetum alopecuroides

Anemanthele lessoniana

0.5–1 metres
1–1.5 metres

Anemanthele lessoniana

Panicum virgatum

0.5–1 metres
0.5–1 metres

Panicum virgatum

Pennisetum alopecuroides

1–1.5 metres
1–1.5 metres

Pennisetum alopecuroides

Anemanthele lessoniana

0.5–1 metres
1–1.5 metres

Anemanthele lessoniana

Panicum virgatum

0.5–1 metres
0.5–1 metres

Panicum virgatum

Sow in spring or autumn, lightly covering seeds
Germination in 30–90 days at 18–21°C

Briza maxima (greater quaking grass)

Sow in spring, lightly covering seeds
Can be sown direct
Germination in 30–90 days at 10–15°C

Luzula nivea (snow rush)

Sow in spring or autumn, lightly covering seeds
Germination in 90 days at 15–20°C

Panicum virgatum (switch grass)

Sow in spring, lightly covering seeds
Germination may take up to six months at 16–21°C

Pennisetum alopecuroides (Chinese fountain grass)

Sow in spring, lightly covering seeds
Germination in 7–21 days at 15–20°C

Shrubs Collection

Kolkwitzia amabilis

2.5–4 metres
2.5–4 metres

Kolkwitzia amabilis

Hypericum choisianum

1–1.5 metres
1–1.5 metres

Hypericum choisianum

Euphorbia × pasteurii

1–1.5 metres
1–1.5 metres

Euphorbia × pasteurii

Kolkwitzia amabilis

2.5–4 metres
2.5–4 metres

Kolkwitzia amabilis

Hypericum choisianum

1–1.5 metres
1–1.5 metres

Hypericum choisianum

Euphorbia × pasteurii

1–1.5 metres
1–1.5 metres

Euphorbia × pasteurii

Lightly cover seed
Germination in 30 days at 18–24°C but can be erratic

Hydrangea paniculata (panicled hydrangea)

Surface sow in autumn
Requires a period of cold, moist stratification
Germination in 90 days at 18–24°C

Hypericum choisianum (Choisy’s St John’s wort)

Sow in spring, lightly covering seeds
Germination in 90 days at 10–16°C

Kolkwitzia amabilis (beauty bush)

Sow in autumn, covering seeds with grit
Requires a period of cold moist stratification
Germination can take more than a year at 18–22°C

Lavandula angustifolia (English lavender)

Surface sow in autumn
Requires a period of cold moist stratification
Germination at 20–21°C

Trees and Shrubs Collection

Liriodendron tulipifera

Higher than 12 metres
Wider than 8 metres

Liriodendron tulipifera

Koelreuteria paniculata

8–12 metres
Wider than 8 metres

Koelreuteria paniculata

Halesia carolina

4–8 metres
Wider than 8 metres

Halesia carolina

Liriodendron tulipifera

Higher than 12 metres
Wider than 8 metres

Liriodendron tulipifera

Koelreuteria paniculata

8–12 metres
Wider than 8 metres

Koelreuteria paniculata

Halesia carolina

4–8 metres
Wider than 8 metres

Halesia carolina

Sow in autumn
Requires a period of warm then cold stratification
Germination at 18–24°C but can be erratic

Hibiscus syriacus (rose of Sharon)

Soak for several hours in hot water before sowing
Lightly cover with compost
Germination in 90 days at 20°C but can be erratic

Koelreuteria paniculata (pride of India)

Sow in autumn
Soak seeds in boiling water for 24 hours
Requires a period of cold, moist stratification
Germination in 5–10 days at 20–30°C

Liriodendron tulipifera (tulip tree)

Sow in autumn
Requires a period of cold, moist stratification
Germination in 90 days at 10–15°C

Catalpa bignonioides (Indian bean tree)

Soak seeds for 24 hours then surface sow
Germination in 30 days at 15°C

Perennial beauty

Timeless plants that return each year with renewed colour and charm:

Herbaceous Perennials Collection 1

Glaucium corniculatum

0.1–0.5 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Glaucium corniculatum

Sanguisorba canadensis

1.5–2.5 metres
0.5–1 metres

Sanguisorba canadensis

Ferula communis

2.5–4 metres
0.5–1 metres

Ferula communis

Glaucium corniculatum

0.1–0.5 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Glaucium corniculatum

Sanguisorba canadensis

1.5–2.5 metres
0.5–1 metres

Sanguisorba canadensis

Ferula communis

2.5–4 metres
0.5–1 metres

Ferula communis

Sow in spring
Pre-soak seeds in warm water overnight before sowing, then lightly cover
Germination in 30–90 days at 15–20°C

Ferula communis (giant fennel)

Sow in autumn, very lightly covering seeds as light required for germination
Requires a period of cold, moist stratification
Germination in up to one year at 15–20°C

Glaucium corniculatum (horned poppy)

Sow in spring, lightly covering seeds
Can be direct sown
Germination in 30 days at 16–24°C

Kniphofia mixed (red-hot-poker) – seed is from mixed species

Surface sow as light required for germination
Germination in up to 90 days at 13–18°C

Sanguisorba canadensis (white burnet)

Sow in autumn, lightly covering seeds
Does not like root disturbance
Requires a period of cold, moist stratification
Germination in up to three months at 15–20°C

Herbaceous Perennials Collection 2

Geum rivale

0.1–0.5 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Geum rivale

Cenolophium denudatum

1–1.5 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Cenolophium denudatum

Gypsophila paniculata

1–1.5 metres
1–1.5 metres

Gypsophila paniculata

Geum rivale

0.1–0.5 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Geum rivale

Cenolophium denudatum

1–1.5 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Cenolophium denudatum

Gypsophila paniculata

1–1.5 metres
1–1.5 metres

Gypsophila paniculata

Surface sow in autumn as light required for germination
Requires a period of cold, moist stratification
Germination in one year at 15–20°C

Geum rivale (water avens)

Sow in autumn, lightly covering seeds
Requires a period of cold, moist stratification
Germination in 21–28 days at 18–22°C

Gypsophila paniculata (baby’s breath)

Surface sow in spring or autumn as light required for germination
Can also be sown direct
Germination in 5–10 days at 18–22°C

Lobelia siphilitica (blue cardinal flower)

Surface sow in autumn
Requires a period of cold, moist stratification
Germination in 15–20 days after stratification at 18–24°C

Valeriana officinalis (common valerian)

Surface sow in spring
Leave uncovered as light required for germination
Germination in 30 days at 15–18°C

Herbaceous Perennials Collection 3

Hesperis matronalis

0.5–1 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Hesperis matronalis

Dierama pulcherrimum

1–1.5 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Dierama pulcherrimum

Phlomis russeliana

1–1.5 metres
0.5–1 metres

Phlomis russeliana

Hesperis matronalis

0.5–1 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Hesperis matronalis

Dierama pulcherrimum

1–1.5 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Dierama pulcherrimum

Phlomis russeliana

1–1.5 metres
0.5–1 metres

Phlomis russeliana

Sow in spring or autumn
Cover to twice seed’s depth
Good drainage required
Germination in up to one year at 20°C and can be erratic

Eryngium planum (blue eryngo)

Moisten seed and place on a piece of kitchen roll and then place in a sealed plastic bag
Seed will germinate in 30 days at 15°C

Haplocarpha scaposa (false gerbera)

Surface sow seeds in spring
Germination within 90 days

Hesperis matronalis (dame’s violet)

Sow in the spring, lightly covering seeds
Germination in 30 days at 18–21°C

Phlomis russeliana (Turkish sage)

Sow in spring, lightly covering seeds
Germination in up to six months at 13–18°C

Herbaceous Perennials Collection 4

Iris sibirica

1–1.5 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Iris sibirica

Digitalis parviflora Jacq.

0.5–1 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Digitalis parviflora Jacq.

Veronica longifolia

1–1.5 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Veronica longifolia

Iris sibirica

1–1.5 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Iris sibirica

Digitalis parviflora Jacq.

0.5–1 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Digitalis parviflora Jacq.

Veronica longifolia

1–1.5 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Veronica longifolia

Surface sow in spring as require light to germinate
Germination in 30–90 days at 15°C

Francoa sonchifolia (wedding flower)

Sow in spring, lightly covering seeds
Germination in 14–30 days at 13–15°C

Iris sibirica (Siberian flag)

Sow in autumn
Requires a period of cold, moist stratification
Germination up to one year at 13–18°C

Salvia forskaehlei (indigo woodland sage)

Surface sow in spring as light required for germination
Germination in 30 days at 18–24°C

Veronica longifolia (garden speedwell)

Surface sow in spring as require light to germinate
Germination in 90 days at 13–18°C

Wildlife friendly

Grow a garden that hums, flutters and buzzes with life:

Plants for Pollinators Collection 1

Echinacea pallida

1–1.5 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Echinacea pallida

Dipsacus fullonum

1.5–2.5 metres
0.5–1 metres

Dipsacus fullonum

Lythrum salicaria

1–1.5 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Lythrum salicaria

Echinacea pallida

1–1.5 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Echinacea pallida

Dipsacus fullonum

1.5–2.5 metres
0.5–1 metres

Dipsacus fullonum

Lythrum salicaria

1–1.5 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Lythrum salicaria

Best direct sown in spring
Lightly cover seeds
Germination in 30 days at 20°C

Echinacea pallida (pale purple coneflower)

Sow seeds in spring or autumn
Requires a period of cold, moist stratification
Germination within 90 days at 13°C

Lythrum salicaria (purple loosestrife)

Sow in spring or autumn, lightly covering seeds
Can be direct sown
Germination in 30 days at 15–20°C

Muscari armeniacum (Armenian grape hyacinth)

Sow in autumn
Pre-soak in cold water then lightly cover seeds with grit
Species resents root disturbance
Germination up to one year at 10–15°C

Oenothera stricta (fragrant evening primrose)

Can be direct sown in spring, lightly covering seeds
Germination in 14–30 days at 20–25°C

Plants for Pollinators Collection 2

Papaver atlanticum

0.1–0.5 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Papaver atlanticum

Scabiosa cretica

0.1–0.5 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Scabiosa cretica

Salvia nemorosa

0.5–1 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Salvia nemorosa

Papaver atlanticum

0.1–0.5 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Papaver atlanticum

Scabiosa cretica

0.1–0.5 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Scabiosa cretica

Salvia nemorosa

0.5–1 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Salvia nemorosa

Best sown direct, lightly covering seeds
Germination in up to 90 days at 13–18°C

Rudbeckia maxima (great coneflower)

Sow in spring or autumn, lightly covering seeds
If germination is poor, cold stratify for four weeks
Germination in up to 30 days, at 16–18°C

Salvia nemorosa (Balkan clary)

Sow in spring and leave seeds uncovered when sown
Germination in up to 30 days at 18–24°C

Scabiosa cretica (Cretian pincushion flower)

Sow in autumn, lightly covering seeds
Germination can be erratic, and take up to 90 days at 16–21°C

Verbascum phoeniceum (purple mullein)

Sow in spring, lightly covering seeds
Germination in 14–21 days at 15–18°C

Shade solutions

Brighten dim corners with plants that thrive where others fade:

Shade Collection 1

Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora

1.5–2.5 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora

Anemone × hybrida

1–1.5 metres
1.5–2.5 metres

Anemone × hybrida

Helleborus × hybridus

0.1–0.5 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Helleborus × hybridus

Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora

1.5–2.5 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora

Anemone × hybrida

1–1.5 metres
1.5–2.5 metres

Anemone × hybrida

Helleborus × hybridus

0.1–0.5 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Helleborus × hybridus

Sow in spring or autumn, lightly covering seeds
Requires a period of cold, moist stratification
Germination up to one year at 10–15°C

Astrantia major (greater masterwort)

Surface sow in autumn
Requires a period of cold, moist stratification
Germination in one year at 13–18°C

Cyclamen hederifolium (ivy-leaved cyclamen)

Sow in autumn, initially soaking seeds for 10 hours
Requires a period of cold, moist stratification
Possibly needs two chilling periods to break dormancy
Germination in one year at 10–15°C

Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora (white-flowered foxglove)

Surface sow seeds in late spring
Germination in 30–90 days at 15°C

Helleborus × hybridus (hybrid Lenten rose)

Sow in autumn
Requires a period of cold, moist stratification
Germination can take up to one year at 16–18°C

Shade Collection 2

Tellima grandiflora

0.5–1 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Tellima grandiflora

Thalictrum flavum subsp. glaucum

1–1.5 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Thalictrum flavum subsp. glaucum

Primula Candelabra hybrids (Pf)

0.5–1 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Primula Candelabra hybrids (Pf)

Tellima grandiflora

0.5–1 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Tellima grandiflora

Thalictrum flavum subsp. glaucum

1–1.5 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Thalictrum flavum subsp. glaucum

Primula Candelabra hybrids (Pf)

0.5–1 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Primula Candelabra hybrids (Pf)

Sow in spring lightly covering seeds
Germination in 90 days at 10–16°C

Hyacinthoides non-scripta (bluebell)

Sow in autumn
Requires a period of cold, moist stratification
Germination can take 6–12 months at 16–20°C

Primula Candelabra hybrids (primrose Candelabra hybrids)

Surface sow in spring or autumn
Requires a period of cold, moist stratification
Germination in 90 days at 13–16°C

Tellima grandiflora (fringe cups)

Sow spring or autumn, lightly covering seeds
Germination can take more than 90 days at 16–21°C

Thalictrum flavum subsp. glaucum (glaucous-leaved yellow meadow rue)

Sow in spring, lightly covering seeds
Germination in 15–21 days at 13–16°C

Drought tolerant

Resillient plants that stand strong through sun and dry spells alike:

Drought-tolerant Collection

Trifolium rubens

0.5–1 metres
0.5–1 metres

Trifolium rubens

Berkheya purpurea

0.5–1 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Berkheya purpurea

Sisyrinchium striatum

0.5–1 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Sisyrinchium striatum

Trifolium rubens

0.5–1 metres
0.5–1 metres

Trifolium rubens

Berkheya purpurea

0.5–1 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Berkheya purpurea

Sisyrinchium striatum

0.5–1 metres
0.1–0.5 metres

Sisyrinchium striatum

Sow in spring, lightly covering seeds
Germination can be slow and erratic, taking up to one year at 13–18°C

Asphodeline liburnica (Liburne asphodel)

Surface sow seed in spring or autumn as light needed for germination
Can be direct sown
Resents root disturbance
Germination in 30–90 days at 15–20°C

Berkheya purpurea (purple berkheya)

Sow in spring, lightly covering seeds
Germination in 30 days at 20°C, but can be erratic

Trifolium rubens (ruddy clover)

Sow in spring, lightly covering seeds
Germination in 30 days at 18–21°C

Watsonia mixed (watsonia) – seed is from mixed species

Sow in spring, covering seeds lightly
Species resents root disturbance
Germination can take up to one year at 10–16°C

Handy tools and information

Need a little more help? Find advice, suppport and ways to track your seeds, right at your fingertips:

Advice on seeds

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RHS Gardening Advice

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RHS Grow app

Keep track of your seeds as they turn into plants

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Get in touch

If you are looking to commercialise the genetic material, its products or resources derived from it, please get in touch with the RHS Seed team.

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Seed list and germination guide

RHS Seed Collections 2026

Award winners

AGM Collection 1

Lunaria rediviva

Lysimachia ephemerum

Libertia chilensis

Lunaria rediviva

Lysimachia ephemerum

Libertia chilensis

Erigeron karvinskianus (Mexican fleabane)

Gillenia trifoliata (Bowman’s root)

Libertia chilensis (New Zealand satin flower)

Lunaria rediviva (perennial honesty)

Lysimachia ephemerum (willow-leaved loosestrife)

AGM Collection 2

Silene chalcedonica

Maianthemum racemosum

Baptisia australis

Silene chalcedonica

Maianthemum racemosum

Baptisia australis

Baptisia australis (blue false indigo)

Digitalis grandiflora (large yellow foxglove)

Maianthemum racemosum (false spikenard)

Pulsatilla vulgaris (pasqueflower)

Lychnis chalcedonica (Maltese cross)

Seasonal colour

Annuals Collection 1

Eccremocarpus scaber

Amaranthus cruentus

Alcea ficifolia

Eccremocarpus scaber

Amaranthus cruentus

Alcea ficifolia

Alcea ficifolia (Antwerp hollyhock)

Amaranthus cruentus (purple amaranth)

Calendula officinalis (common marigold)

Cleome houtteana (spider flower)

Eccremocarpus scaber (Chilean glory flower)

Annuals Collection 2

Nicandra physalodes

Xerochrysum bracteatum

Eryngium giganteum

Nicandra physalodes

Xerochrysum bracteatum

Eryngium giganteum

Eryngium giganteum (Miss Willmott’s ghost)

Lunaria annua (honesty)

Nicandra physalodes (apple of Peru)

Nicotiana langsdorffii (Langsdorff’s tobacco plant)

Xerochrysum bracteatum (everlasting flower)

Specialist picks

Connoisseur Collection 1

Hydrangea bifida

Amsonia tabernaemontana var. salicifolia

Asclepias incarnata

Hydrangea bifida

Amsonia tabernaemontana var. salicifolia

Asclepias incarnata

Amsonia tabernaemontana var. salicifolia (eastern bluestar)

Asclepias incarnata (swamp milkweed)

Chelone obliqua (twisted shell flower)

Glycyrrhiza yunnanensis (Yunnan liquorice)

Hydrangea bifida (two-lobed false hydrangea)

Connoisseur Collection 2

Potentilla nepalensis

Tigridia pavonia

Veronicastrum virginicum f. roseum

Potentilla nepalensis

Tigridia pavonia

Veronicastrum virginicum f. roseum

Kirengeshoma palmata (yellow wax-bells)

Limonium coriarium (broad-leaved statice)

Potentilla nepalensis (Nepalese cinquefoil)

Tigridia pavonia (peacock tiger flower)

Veronicastrum virginicum f. roseum (rosy Culver’s root)

Easy choices

Easy-to-Grow Collection 1

Campanula latifolia