Direct sow annuals - is Glasgow warm enough?!

Rosiebeaton

Hi there, I decided to direct sow some Californian poppy and calendula seeds in April. Neither have done very well - the calendula have almost all withered and the poppy seedlings are very small, a couple of inches tall. The poppies are in full sun in well drained pots and the calendula in partial sun in a raised bed. Is my location just too cool for good germination and seedling development for this type of seed/sowing direct? I have some nasturtium seedlings doing much better - do they transplant well as I could thin them out and replace where the poppies are? Many thanks 😊 

Purplerain

No is the answer. If you live in Glasgow then start them indoors in March and then plant out in late May/early June.

Some posters live in different parts of the UK and although their advice is sound it is never good for Glasgow. I have never had a single seed germinate in the ground. On the plus side it is a good forum and well intentioned, as long as you adjust your growing conditions to yours.   

Rosiebeaton

Thanks Purplerain, the Grow It programme on BBC radio Scotland said exactly that - seed packets are aimed at SE England and add a few weeks on to any sowing date at least depending on which part of Scotland you’re in. I will need to start indoors as you’ve suggested ☺️
Do nasturtiums transplant well? I can’t find anything anywhere online and I have no gardening books!! 

Purplerain

If you want them they should be ok if you push them into the ground now. I think it is the only seed that has grown for me, but I can't stand them lol. We do well here, if we grow our own from seed at the right time. All my money goes on compost but never on plants because I grow them all from seed. Chilterns are great, and they will make you feel like you did it all by yourself 😀. I wish you great success next year. 

Rosiebeaton

Thanks - I bought from Chiltern too! Fingers crossed for better luck next year 👍🏻