Flowers for cutting

[snowdrop]

Hi,

I would like to use one of my beds at the allotment for cut flowers so that I can enjoy fresh flowers at home during the summer. However, I'm very much a novice and was hoping you more experienced gardeners would be able to advise me on which flowers to grow.

Thank you.

[Nick the Grief]

Hi Snowdrop,

Welcome on board. For Cut flowers you can't go wrong with Spray Chrysanthemums - last about 3 weeks in water, Dahlia's ( especially the smaller flowered ones) only last about a week but you'll get more than you can shake a stick at off 6 plants or so. Gladioli make a nice cut flower as well and Sweet peas - make sure they are scented otherwise they are a waste IMHO.

If you would like some varieties let me know

I'm sure other people will tell you their favourites.

[Lesley Jay]

Hi Snowdrop! Welcome to our forum!!

I would have to agree with Nick that chrysanthemums make fabulous cut flowers. Both the spray chrysanthemums and the big incurving chrysanthemums last for weeks in vases and look great.

[kimw]

Hi Snowdrop,
I grow many flowers on my allotment for cutting.
My annual choices are Zinnia, Cornflowers, Clarkia and Larkspur. They all come in colourful mixes and look beautiful. For scent i grow Sweet Peas and the perennial pink 'Mrs Sinkins'. I also like to cut Sunflowers for the house too.
I hope i have given you some ideas.
Kimw.

[snowdrop]

Thanks everyone. You have given me some ideas to start with. I will definately be growing sweetpeas and sunflowers and I bought some lily bulbs at the weekend.

Nick, I would like some varieties as there seems to be so much choice!

[Suzie]

Hi and welcome Snowdrop

I grow tons of sweetpeas (scented) at the house garden and at the lottie.

At the lottie, I have put netting up the front (side, depending on which way you look ) of the shed to run either side of the window - sweetpeas will be running up my shed in a few weeks

[snowdrop]

Sounds lovely Suzie. I don't have a shed yet so will just rig up some netting. Do sweetpeas need lots of sun? Or can they tolerate part shade?

[Lesley Jay]

I have a permanent frame for sweet peas along the side of my greenhouse. They look and smell absolutely fabulous. Instead of looking at the greenhouse all summer there is a wall of colour. They do like the sun.

This is a lovely site for sweet peas.
http://www.simplysweetpeas.co.uk/?gc...FQvclAodJDhubA

[snowdrop]

Thanks Lesley. The web site was very interesting - i didn't know there were so many varieties!

[Lesley Jay]

There are even more varieties Snowdrop! Take a look at Unwins, they have been selling sweet peas for over 100 years.

http://www.unwins.co.uk/sweet-pea-seeds-cid1.html