Victorian Flowers

A collection of elegant flowers treasured by the Victorians.

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:

Canterbury bell seedlings have slightly hairy oval-shaped leaves. Canterbury bells like to be grown in sun or partial shade, the removal of dead flower heads may encourage a second bout of flowers.

Candytuft seedlings appear as little clusters of long leaves. Candy tuft will thrive in moist but well drained soil. They like to be in full sun and cut back after flowering.

Larkspur seedlings have delicate feathery leaves. Larkspur like to be kept in well-drained soil in full sun. The stems like to be supported so stake well and keep sheltered from strong winds. Remove dead flowers and cut down in autumn.

• Flowers in the Victorian Garden