Most bedding plants are easy to raise from seed, but some smaller seeds, such as begonias, can be difficult to grow. You do not need a greenhouse or heated propagator to germinate seeds. Placing a seed tray or pot with a polythene bag over it on a window-ledge is also effective.

Seedlings

You can purchase seedlings with just two or three leaves. They are usually purchased by mail order and come in trays containing between 100 and 400 plants. They will require pricking out soon after they arrive into seed trays or pots.
Plugs

Young plants called plugs and are more advanced in their growth than seedlings and are ready to plant out immediately. Plugs mean you can grow plants that would be difficult to germinate yourself. When buying trays of plugs, check they have good root growth and the leaves and shoots are not damaged, mouldy or turning yellow. Prick out the plants into individual pots and keep them in a greenhouse. Water plants regularly then put them in a cold frame to harden them off two or three weeks before planting.

Pots, trays and modules

Bedding plants can be bought ready to plant out in pots, trays or individual modules. Trays containing lots of plants are usually cheaper than individual modules, but their roots are often damaged when they are pulled apart at the time of planting. However, in individual modules, or cellular trays, plants develop their own root systems, which makes them healthier.
Planting summer bedding

The young plants will have been kept in warm conditions, so slowly acclimatise them, or harden them off, before planting outside. This can be done by placing the plants in a cold frame for a couple of weeks. Create a gentle mound in the centre of the flowerbed for a better visual display.

Growing Tips

• Water plants regularly in summer. Plants in containers and hanging baskets will need particular attention in dry, hot weather. This could be as much as twice a day.
• Apply a liquid feed to plants once a week.
• Remove dead flowers regularly to encourage more flowers.