Shakespearean Flowers

Start growing march — june

Columbine Barlow Mix

symbolic of insincerity, it is given by Ophelia when driven to insanity by Hamlet.

(Perennial)

Marigold

In the Winter's Tale, Shakespeare observes how the vivid orange flower 'goes to bed wi' in the sun' and reopens in the morning.

(Annual)

Heartsease

In A Midsummer Night's Dream, Oberon creates a love potion using Heartsease.

(Annual)

A collection of poetical plants described by the Bard.

Start by unwrapping your Growbar and place it with the brown protective paper facing upwards, into a container with plenty of space to allow it to expand; a takeaway food tray is ideal. Gently pour half a litre of water into the tray and position indoors on a warm, bright sunny windowsill. The seeds will need to be a cosy 18°-22° to germinate.

Water regularly and ensure the Growbar is perfectly moist, it should remain the colour of a rich dark ginger cake.

After a few weeks you should have a bar neatly dotted with little seedlings. These will be happy growing together in the bar for a further month in their sunny location.

When the seedlings have produced 4-8 leaves you may then gently separate them, being careful to not damage the delicate roots, and plant them in individual pots or a sunny weed-free spot in the garden. Plants grown in the ground with plenty of space and sunlight will produce more abundant fragrant foliage but it is possible to grow the seedlings in large containers on the balcony or patio.

How to identify your seedlings:

Heartsease seedlings have small, heart shaped leaves.

Marigold seedlings have long, pale green leaves.

Columbine seedlings have smooth, palm-shaped leaves.

These three varieties of flower will all enjoy to be in full sun or partial shade, and will need any dead heads removing to prolong flowering.