Disappointing seed results.

[bobbin]

Hi all.
I've brought on Sarah Ravens GIANT Larkspur this year. Grown exactly as instructed the seeds germinated and matured into healthy young plants. However once in soil they have put on quite a pathetic show. They are in 2 of my neighbours gardens, mine and on my lottie.
All the same about 18" high and have flowered. Despite being a mix of colours on packet they are all purple which is annoying. They are not particularly bushy plants either.
Anyone any theories? I realise we've had some extreme weather but I've ways tried to being careful with hardening off, sheltering when required etc.
Do you ever find seeds really don't live up to their blurb on the packet.

[greenishfing]

Frequently!

[bobbin]

Really greenfishing. Can you elaborate. It's knocking my confidence. I also grew a "new" cosmos advertised as a flower with an iridescent sheen to the petals. Well it's Sort of got that but with really small flowers and the plants are small too. Is it our fault or the suppliers making rather extravagant claims?

[greenishfing]

Really greenfishing. Can you elaborate. It's knocking my confidence. I also grew a "new" cosmos advertised as a flower with an iridescent sheen to the petals. Well it's Sort of got that but with really small flowers and the plants are small too. Is it our fault or the suppliers making rather extravagant claims?

I generally blame myself when plants don't live up to my expectations but sometimes I know it is not me and the fault is with the seed company....particularly when I've shared the seeds and we all get the same results.

[veggiechicken]

Hi all.
I've brought on Sarah Ravens GIANT Larkspur this year. Grown exactly as instructed the seeds germinated and matured into healthy young plants. However once in soil they have put on quite a pathetic show. They are in 2 of my neighbours gardens, mine and on my lottie.
All the same about 18" high and have flowered. Despite being a mix of colours on packet they are all purple which is annoying. They are not particularly bushy plants either.
Anyone any theories? I realise we've had some extreme weather but I've ways tried to being careful with hardening off, sheltering when required etc.
Do you ever find seeds really don't live up to their blurb on the packet.

Why don't you ask Sarah Raven about it? If they've had other similar comments they may have an explanation?