February Seed Sowing for Wedding Flowers

This week marks a real turning point in the flower grower’s calendar as we reach 10 hours of daylight here in the Peak District. Day length is one of the most important factors in plant growth and is often even more significant than temperature.

Despite the grey and wet weather across Derbyshire, this increase in daylight signals the beginning of active growth. It is the moment I begin my main sowing period for the year. Over the next two months I will be sowing hundreds of seeds ready for a busy summer wedding season at The Hopeful Flower Co.

If you are planning to grow some of your own wedding flowers or dreaming of starting a home cutting garden, this guide will give you inspiration and practical varieties to begin with.

Grow Your Own Cut Flowers Workshop

If you are local to the Peak District, Sheffield or Derbyshire, I am running a Grow Your Own Cut Flowers Workshop this April. In two friendly and practical hours we cover everything from planning your space to choosing the best varieties for reliable summer blooms. You will leave with freshly planted seeds, ready to plant seedlings and the confidence to get growing.

What I’m Sowing This Week 

Larkspur

Larkspur is one of my absolute favourites for weddings although it can be tricky to germinate. It requires a period of cold stratification to break seed dormancy, so sowing now means our chilly Peak District nights do the work for you.

I use larkspur in almost all of my bridal bouquets because it adds height, movement and soft romantic texture.

Varieties I grow:

• Misty Lavender

• Smokey Eyes

• Little Boy Blue 

• Pretty Pink

Daucus (Wild Carrot)

I have a total love affair with umbellifers and Daucus ‘Dara’ might be one of my best loved. This cultivated wild carrot produces delicate umbrella shaped flowers in soft white, pink and deep blackberry shades.

I use Daucus in nearly every arrangement because it adds naturalistic texture and a wild gathered feel. Last year I even found a beautiful half and half bloom growing in the field.

Helichrysum (Strawflowers)

Strawflowers are incredibly versatile because they are glorious both fresh and dried. This year I am expanding to two full beds so that I can grow extra for drying and autumn workshops.

Despite being native to Australia, they germinate well in the UK and produce flowers all summer long in a huge range of colours.

Violas

Violas are enjoying a real rise in popularity and I am trialing them for the first time this year. Their delicate faces and soft movement make them perfect for adding a gentle, romantic touch to bridal bouquets.

The variety I am most excited about is ‘Chianti Shades’ [pictured], a beautiful mix of deep berry tones and mauves. I sourced the seeds from Alma Proust and cannot wait to see how they perform in the field.

Scabiosa

Annual scabious is another favourite of mine for adding movement and soft pops of colour. They flower right through the summer and bring so much joy to the field.

‘Fata Morgana’ [pictured] is a beautiful choice for pastel palettes, with its soft apricot and blush tones that sit perfectly in romantic wedding arrangements.

Ready to Start Your Own Cutting Garden?

If you feel inspired to grow flowers for your own wedding or want to begin a small cutting patch at home, you are very welcome to join me at the workshop in April.

You can also follow along on TikTok and Instagram where I share regular sowing updates, Peak District flower farm behind the scenes and growing tips specifically for the British climate.

If you’re looking for seasonal, Peak District grown flowers for weddings or events then do get in touch.

Rosie x