what small flowers can I sow now so they will flower later this year?

[4390evans]

Ive planted a climbing rose thing in an attempt to cover a botched fence job but im needing some small flowers that I can sow now but will flower later this year anyone got any ideas? The rose is yellow xx

[mothhawk]

There's no simple answer to that. So much depends on how the seeds grow, what the weather is like, how they are cared for (or not as the case may be). Perennials sown now won't flower before next year, so you're looking at annual flowers.

They are going to take between a week and a fortnight to germinate, which takes you to the second week of August. Then they will be at least 8 weeks from germination to flowering, though I can't think of any (except weeds ) that flower so fast. So, say 12 - 16 weeks before they flower. So you won't realistically see flowers before November, then, wham, frosts will kill them off.

[nick the grief]

Mothhawks right but you could try some Nasturtiums - something like Alaska which has variegated leaves or Nasturtium 'Climbing Mixed' bit late but if we don't get too bad a winter then it should be OK. Failing that you could plant a a nice Clematis to give you flowers next year . SOme good ones

Etiolle Violette (Dk Purple), Ville d Lyon (Deep Pink/Cerise) and some Lavenders around the base (Hidcote is a good one)

[Martin H]

You could try Virginian Stock. It is quick to germinate and quick to flower, although I've never tried sowing it in August.

[veggiechicken]

Winter pansies?