Planting Guide to Garden Centre seedlings.
Before planting your seedlings there are a few important things you need to do.
If you expect to have a healthy, thriving garden, then it is important to prepare the ground first. 
Its not dig a hole and bung the seedlings in hoping the plants will grow like the garden next door. The enthusiastic gardener will organize the ground to maximum condition before the plants are placed into the soil. Here are a few garden tips to help you prepare for a healthy productive garden.

1/ Remove all weeds and old remaining plant growth away from the area you are going to plant. Do not put diseased plant material in the compost bin.
2/ Dig over the ground and add an organic compost blended with some well rotted Cow Manure into the ground to improve the structure, working it well into the soil. This should be done at least a couple of weeks prior to planting. If the weather is dry then the ground should be watered every couple of days to make sure that the fertilizer has broken down and washed through the top soil. Small clods of fertiliser may burn the young root system if any manure is not dissolved.
3/ Calculate how many seedlings you may need before going to the local Nursery or Garden Centre.
4/ Before arriving at the plant store have a list of what you need.
5/ If you are not sure about the growing habits of certain plants, ask a sales person for some help. It is better to ask now, rather than later when the plants have already establish in the ground.

PLANTING GUIDE FOR SOME VARIETIES OF FLOWER SEEDLINGS

AGERATUM (Asteraceae)
Ageratum houstoniamum blooms consist of groups of tiny powder-puff type flowers which form a compact head. These seedlings grow to a height of 25cm and create excellent border plants or they can be grown as container specimens. Plant 20 - 25cm apart in full sun/part shade.
Plants usually available Sept. - Jan.

ALYSSUM (Brassicaceae)
Lobularia maritima.
Delightful pincushions of honey scented flowers, commonly referred to as 'Sweet Alice'. Ideal for rockeries and borders. Buy them in punnets when the plants are first coming into flower. Alyssum comes in a good range of colours and the seedlings will grow to a height of 8cm and need to be spaced 15cm apart. They are available all year round and can be planted in full sun to part shade.

ANTIRRHINUM (Scrophulariaceae)
Antirrhimum majus.
Brightly coloured two lipped flowers born on spikes. The dwarf varieties make excellent border plants and pots. Their taller counterparts are ideal for cut flowers and are perfect for back ground planting behind smaller annuals. Plant all year round in full sun. Due to the different heights, consult your seedling expert for plant spacing.

AMARANTHUS (Amaranthaceae)
Amaranthus tricolour.
These seedling are grown for their beautiful coloured foliage of red, yellow and green. They grow to a height of 100cm and should be planted 40cm apart in full sun. The plants are available from Oct. - Dec.

AQUILEGIA (Ranunculaceae)
Aquilegia vulgaris are old fashion plants (Columbines, Granny?s Bonnets) are still admired by many gardeners. The plant is recognized by its unusual flower form, with two layers of petals forming the flower with long or short spurs at the base. This perennial can be used as a border or for informal planting and containers. Best planted in the cooler months for early spring flower displays. These plants are fairly frost tolerant, but need shelter from direct sun.
Aquilegia grow to a height of 40 - 50cm and should be planted 30cm apart. Plants available from April - Aug.

ASTER (Asteraceae)
Callistephus chinensis.
The foliage is dark green, hairy, serrated leaves and they have double or semi double daisy flowers. It is best to plant the flowers in different areas each year to avoid disease. Plant them through the Spring for a bright Autumn flower display. They are excellent for cut flowers. Available Sept. - Jan. Plants like to be in full sun.

BEGONIA (Begoniaceae)
Begonia semperflorens were originally tropical plants. The bedding Begonia perform well in most Australian gardens. These begonias are very free flowering through all but the coldest months, but prefer shade during the heat of the day. They can be used as borders, pots, hanging baskets or planted in groups. Plant in full to part shade. Plants are available from Sept. - March.

BELLIS (Asteraceae)
Bellis perennis.
This plant generally known as English Daisy, is a perennial best grown as an annual for late winter, early spring. Bellis a low growing plant (30cm) with its red button flowers, makes it ideal for garden borders or container planting. Although cold and frost tolerant, it can be prone to Rust disease. Keeping the plants well fed, will help them to be stronger to resist the Rust.
Plant 20 - 25cm apart in full sun/part shade.

CALENDULA (Asteraceae)
Calendula officinallis is known as the winter Marigold, this annual is a very hardy winter plant which will brighten up any garden in August and September, with its vibrant mix of lemon and orange flowers. They grow at their best in well drained soil and full sun. The plants are edible and are often used in salads or as a garnish. A good cut flower for table decorations. Plant 25cm apart.

CARNATION (Caryophyllaceae)
Dianthus caryophyllus.
This perennial which is generally grown as an annual, has blue grey foliage with delicately perfumed, double flowers. The flowers come in a wide range of colours and bi-colours. To extend the flowering time, pinch off the terminal buds. Carnations are a good cut flower plant.
They are cold and frost tolerant, favour a well drained soil and need to be planted in full sun.
Carnations are available all year round. Plant 30cm apart.

CINERARIA (Asteraceae)
Senecio spp.
These are showy part shade to shade annuals which come in a variety of growing sizes (30 - 70cm) in height. They require a frost free position and keep well watered if there is lack of rain, as the leaves transpire swiftly.
The flowers, daisy-like, form a large umbel in shades of white, red, blue, mauve, purple and bi-colours. Plant them in Autumn for winter to early Spring flowering. The smaller growing varieties create a beautiful show when grown in containers. In windy positions it would be best to plant smaller species.

COLEUS (Labiatae)
These plants make an ideal indoor plant with their brilliant multi-coloured foliage. They are suitable for bedding, borders and in partly or fully shaded warm locations and will grow to a height of 40cm.
Plants are available from Sept.to Jan.

COSMOS (Asteracaeae)
A very popular cottage garden plan. The Cosmos is a hardy free flowering annual with flower shades of yellow, orange and rust. They are ideal for cut flowers. The plant is mostly erect in habit, with fern-like leaves. Plant in full sun or part shade.
Plants are available from Sept. - Jan.

DAHLIA (Asteracaeae)
Dahlia X Hybrida.
They are excellent bedding plants and great for containers. These plants flower from November to May with double medium sized flowers, ranging from white to yellow, orange, red, crimson and pink. When planting space 20cm apart.
Plants grow from 20 - 30cm in height and are available from Aug. - Jan.

DELPHINIUM (Ranunculaeae)
Most of these species are easy to grow and their tall flower spikes must be staked against wind damage. The species range from dwarf 35cm to 150cm in height. Varieties have flower spikes in shades of white, blue and mauve. The dwarf varieties are ideal for borders. The plants are available from March - Sept. and need to be planted in full sun.

DIGITALIS (Scrophulariaceae Digitalis purpurea)
Foxgloves are a very popular seedling and planted after March, they will develop big strong rosettes of leaves and produce spikes as soon as September arrives. They can be planted any time between September and March. Foxy's will be flowering in about twelve weeks. The tall Foxgloves, add height and a good background foliage and colour to any garden.
Plant in full sun or part shade.

ERIGERON (Asteracaeae)
Erigeron karvinskianus.
This is a perennial seaside daisy which is ideal in many situations. Erigeron is great for cottage gardens where it can be used for cascades rockeries, retaining walls or pathways. Fantastic for growing in hanging baskets. It has a gently trailing habit with soft green fern-like foliage. Erigeron has an abundance of small white flowers with a tinge of pink all the year round. Growing to a height of 40cm. Plant in full sun.
Plants are available all year round.

HELICHRYSUM (Compositae)
Helichrysum bracteaum.
Brightly coloured, straw-like, crispy paper flowers in shades of red and pink. The flowers can be used fresh, or hung to dry where they will keep shape and colour for many months. They will reach a height of 60cm and like to grow in full sun. Plant them at 25cm apart. Plants available Sept. - Jan.

HOLLYHOCK (Malvaceae)
Althaea rosea.
This is a good cottage garden specimen, ideal for back ground planting.
They have erect long stalks with terminal racemes of showy rosette type flowers. Hollyhocks prefer a sunny position and well drained, fertile soil.
The flowers are large, fully double flowers, with a colour range of both bold and pastel shades. The plants are available from March - August and the flower heads reach to a height of 180cm. Plant them at 30 - 40cm apart.

IMPATIENCES (Balsaminaceae)
Impatiens wallerana.
These plants offer a full range of dazzling colours, are of a compact habit and easy to grow in a wide range of conditions. Part shade to full shade. Some have bold flower colour mix, contrasting with deep bronze foliage. There are flowers of pale pink with darker eyes, lilac and lavender shades blended with pink tones, striking coral pink flowers with a darker, picotee edge. The dwarf mix are very compact and are ideal for containers. Impatience also come in double flowers with a good range of flower colours.
Plants available from Sept - April.

LARKSPUR (Ranunculaceae)
Delphinium ajacis.
This very old fashion annual plant belongs to the Delphinium genus. Larkspurs are graceful, pastel flowers born on long spikes growing to a height of 30cm. They are very hardy plants, flowering from Spring to Autumn. They are best planted 30cm apart in a warm sunny position and into well drained soil. Larkspurs are excellent for cut flowers and drying. The colour range are blue, pinks, carmine and white. Plants available from March - Aug.

LINARIA (Scrophulariaceae)
Linaria maroccana.
Linaria will tolerate wet conditions, but prefer a sunny position in the garden. They will give a great display in containers, hanging baskets or as a border plant. The plants are borne on spikes resembling tiny Snapdragons. To give a mass effect, plant the seedlings as closely as 10cm apart. The flowers colour range are speckled pink, lemon, white, blue mix, gold and apricot. The colours depend on the species. Plant are available from Feb. - Aug.

LIVINGSTONE DAISY (Aizoaceae)
Dorotheanthus bellidiformis.
These plants grow to a height of 10cm and are very hardy succulents, tolerating drought and frost. They are sometimes confused with the summer flowering Portulaca. Livingstone Daisies are excellent for rockeries, and borders, giving a vibrant splash of colour during late Winter and Spring. The single daisy-like flowers come in a wide range of bright colours including yellow and bi-colours. They prefer an open sunny position as too much shade can cause the stems to stretch, ruining the plant?s habit. The plants are available most of the year round.

LISIANTHUS (Gentianaceae)
Eustoma grandiflorum.
The Lisianthus is a very popular plant, because it is not only a attractive cut flower plant, but the flowers will last in a vase for up to 4 weeks. Lisianthus need well drained soil, a warm, sheltered position and must be kept moist. These plants are suitable for cottage gardens and perennial borders. Their flowers range from single to double, with colours from white, pinks, blue and lavender shades. These plants are available from Oct. - Dec.

LOBELIA (Lobeliaceae)
Lobelia erinus.
These attractive plants will give living colour and lighten up any dull spot in the garden. The bush varieties can be used as border plants or planted in cluster groups of three or four plants around the garden beds. Lobelia come in bush and trailing varieties which can be planted in hanging baskets or around the base of potted plants. Plant them through Spring for Summer and Autumn flowering and again in Autumn for Spring flowering.
Plant in full sun to part shade.

MARIGOLD - AFRICAN (Asteraceae)
Tagetes erecta.
They love the Summer and make a magnificent exhibit of massed colour with their large double ball flowers. They flower from late October through to April/May. Flowers range in colours from bright yellow, deep gold, creamy white and orange. They are exceptional bedding plants with heavy petalled double flowers which shed water, improving a longer life of the flowers. Ideal for mass planting. These Marigolds will grow to a height of 40cm so plant them 30cm apart in full sun. Plants are available Aug. - Feb.

MARIGOLD - FRENCH (Asteraceae)
Tagetes patula.
French Marigolds are classified according to their flower characteristics, most are double, some with crested centres. They grow to a height of 30cm and flower quickly, with a broad range of patterns and strong colours. French Marigolds give one of the best massed colour effects of all the flowering annuals. They are frost tender and the snails love them, so don't forget the snail bait. Plant in full sun and 25cm apart. Plants are available Aug. - Feb.

NEMESIA (Scrophurariaceae)
Nemesia strumosa plants make excellent early spring displays in rockeries, containers and borders. Nemesia varieties will grow to a height of 25 to 35m and need to be planted at 25cm apart. They are at their best when massed. Nemesias prefer to be planted in a sunny position and are ideal for bedding plants, borders, cluster planting and containers. The vibrant colours of golden yellow, sunset red, clear pink, golden orange and creamy white flowers will certainly light up the garden beds. Plants available from March - July.

PANSY (Violaceae)
Viola X whitrociana.
Pansies grow to a height of 15cm and they would be one of the most popular grown seedlings. With a gigantic range of varieties and vast number of colours and colour variations it will be hard to make a selection in a short time. There is no end to their colour range. Our South Australian climate allows the bright colours and delightful faces of Pansies to be seen in our gardens for most of the year (except for the hot months of Jan. - March.). Pansies are really Autumn/winter seedlings, flowering at their best until the heat sets in.
Plant them at 15cm intervals and in full sun to part shade.

PENSTEMON
These plants have tall flowering 60cm spikes of soft pink through to deep purple and red. Plant them in full sun at 25cm apart. Penstemons are available most of the year round.

PHLOX
Phlox are a good small 60cm growing plant with flowers that can be picked for a table vase or posies. Their flower colours range from white, pink, rose and red shades. The plants are available Sep. - Jan.

PETUNIA (Solanaceae)
Petunia X hybrida.
Petunias initially were a cultivar from South America and now they would have to be one of the most popular summer flowering annuals. Each year there are more and more cultivars developed and the flowers are becoming more stunning. The flowers are predominately trumpet-shaped, but many cultivars being ruffled or double. There are dwarf, bush, spreading and trailing varieties. These plants can tolerate a broad range of weather conditions. Heavy Summer rains can unleash havoc with Petunias, but with a substantial prune back of growth and a feed of organic fertiliser, they usually recuperate very quickly. Petunias are so versatile they can be used extensively as bedding plants for massed border displays, large garden beds, rockeries, window boxes and hanging baskets (trailing varieties). They are best planted from Aug. - Feb.
Most varieties prefer full sun, but there are a few cultivars that will tolerate light, dappled shade.

POLYANTHUS (Primulaceae)
Primula veris elatior.
These plants like a part shade to sunny position. Their dazzling, bold colours will turn every eye towards their mass of flowers. The plants come in a good colour range, with large heads of blooms on tall stems. Polyanthus grow to 30 - 40cm in height and are frost tolerant, but prefer a sunny position. When planting space them 25 - 30cm apart.

POPPY (Papaveraceae)
Papaver nudicaule.
The flowers of this plant is a favourite of most people. Its flowers are excellent for cutting and placing in tall vases. The Iceland Poppy was especially bred for Australian conditions. The Iceland Poppy is quite hardy, but be sure not to plant the base under the soil. Place the root section under the ground leaving the part between the root and base of the plant level with the soil. Plant, once the Autumn starts to cool, in a sunny position for late winter and spring flowering. Each plant can produce as many as twenty booms at one time once it is established. Some varieties come in warm, bright colours of red, orange, yellow and apricot. Other varieties of selected blends have a colour range of pastels - cream, lavender, apricot and pink. While others have a flower selection of soft mix- white, red, lemons and apricots. Their planting time is from Jan. - Feb. Plant in full sun.

PORTULACA (Portulacaceae)
Portulaca grandiflora plants are excellent to plant into sandy soils in full sun. They are good rocery plants. Their showy semi-double flowers come in hot pinks, oranges, reds, and yellows which have a translucent sheen which makes them glitter in the sun. The plants grow to a height of 30cm and need to be planted 20cm apart. Plants are available from Sept. - Jan.

PRIMULAR (Primulaceae)
Primrose.
Good breeding has led to the Primula strains that were previously only suitable for shaded positions to new varieties that can tolerate more sun shine. Primula have a compact growth habit, growing to a height of 30cm. The seedlings should be planted about 15 - 20 cm apart in the garden and fed regularly with liquid fertilisers. When the plants reach the flowering stage start feeding them regularly with fertilisers.
If you are planting Primula in pots or tubs, be sure to use a good premium potting mix marked with the Australian standard and showing the five ticks. Planting Primula in the open ground you need to cultivate the area you are preparing to a depth of 15 cm (6"). Make sure that the garden bed is well prepared by mixing some compost into the soil. Add some organic fertiliser to the ground. If you are not going to plant out the seedlings for a few weeks, make sure that the soil is kept moist so the fertiliser will dissolve into the ground. If you wish to plant your seedlings now, then mix into the soil some slow release fertiliser instead of the organic type as this will burn the roots. The multiple flowers, clear and bold, grow one per short stem stalk from the centre of the leave rosette rather than from the central stem. Flower colours range from white, rich pink, deep pink, soft lavender, deep magenta and rich deep claret.
Plant in shade to part shade The plants are available from April -July and potted colour from June - Aug.

RANUNULUS (Ranuculaceae)
Ranunculus siaticus are showy bedding plants with large rounded flowers on erect stems making them ideal for cut flowers. Their colour range is wide, favouring strong clear colours, white through to pink, red and yellow. They can be planted in containers or mass planting in garden beds. Plant in full sun to part shade. Growing to 30cm in height these seedlings need to be planted at 20cm intervals. Seedlings available from July - Sept.

SALVIA (lamiaceae)
Farinacea Salvias are the tall blue and white types growing to a height of 30cm. They are often confused with lavender and are well suited to cottage gardens. Blue grey green foliage. Plant the seedlings 20cm apart and in full sun. The seedlings are available from Sep. - Jan. Plant in full sun to part shade. These plants are frost tender.
Salvia Splendens are popular bedding plants for the home garden and landscaping. Their bright red flowers are held on upright stems. Their growing heights range from 35 - 50cm with the dwarf variety only growing to 25cm in height. Plant in full sun to part shade. These plants are frost tender.
The seedlings are available from Sep. - Jan.

STOCK (Brassicaceae)
Matthiola incarna.
Stocks would be one of the most fragrant bedding plants. The Stock plants always contain a certain percentage of single female flowers which tend to bloom first. Plant in full sun. Plants are available in Jan - July.
The taller varieties grow to a height of 50 cm and need to be planted 20cm apart. The beautiful, scented, double flowers come in a colour range from clear white, rich deep purple, carmine blooms to rich lavender. The smaller varieties reach a height of 35cm, plant these at 20cm apart. These compact growth habit plants come in bright colours.

SWEET PEA (Fabaceae)
Lathyrus odoratus
The colours and perfumes of sweet peas flowers growing in the garden always adds a warm welcome to anyone. Children can also enjoy growing sweet peas. The large seeds are easy for little ones to hold and place into the ground. These plants will give children a thrill when the foliage starts to produce flowers. Sweet peas are so very easy to grow. Sweet peas can be used for cottage and rustic gardens. Tall growing varieties grow to a height from 120 - 180cm and should be planted at 15cm intervals apart. The perfumed blooms with their long stems are ideal for cut flowers. The dwarf variety reaching a height of 40cm, are perfect for garden borders (but space seedlings at 20cm apart). They are also suitable to plant in hanging baskets. Plant in full sun.
Plants are available from March - July.

SWEET WILLIAM (Caryopyllaceae)
Dianthus barbatus is a biennial and is generally treated as an annual. The flowers are subtle clove fragrance and single fringed. Always remove spent flowers to promote further blooms.
The tall variety will reach a height of 30cm and seedlings should be spaced at 20cm intervals. The double to semi -double flowers come in colours of white, red rose, pink and burgundy.
The dwarf species grows to a height of 15cm, so plant in full sun to semi-shade. Their flowers are single with a perfume which come in the same colour shades. The seedlings are available from Jan. - July.

VERBENA (Verbenaceae)
Verbena X hybrida.
This is an excellent drought resistant bedding plant(growing to a height of 30cm) providing a colourful carpet display. Plant in full sun at 20cm apart. The dainty florets form ball-shaped flower heads, with most florets having a white eye. The colour range includes, white, pink, red, purple and blue.
Plants available from Aug. - Jan.

VINCA (Apocynaceae)
Catharanthus roseus.
They are commonly known as Periwinkle which grow to 30cm high and can be planted at 20cm apart. Vinca is a very hardy plant which will withstand hot, dry, sunny conditions. They have attractive dark green foliage and flowers with five flat open petals with constraining eyes. They come in colours of white, pink, rose and orchid shades. Plants available from Oct. - Jan.

VIOLA (Violacea)
Viola cornuta.
Viola are relatives of Pansies, characterised by masses of small flowers. The plants grow to approximately 30cm in height and can be planted at 20cm apart. Pansies and Violas are so mixed up that there's little point in worrying about their differences. However it's generally accepted that Violas have slightly smaller flowers that are less likely to be decorated with 'faces'. Violas bloom generously and, if dead flowers are removed, will continue flowering for months. They will grow in full sun to part shade. Plants are available from March to Sept.

ZINNIA (Asteraceae)
Zinnia elegans.
They are very showy annuals growing to 30cm in height and are sun loving and heat tolerant, but frost tender. The Zinnias plants have large daisy flowers which are born on erect, hairy stems, in a range of clear colours, except blue. Plant at 20cm apart.
Zinnia angustifolia.
This is a ground cover annual which tolerates sun, heat and dry conditions and grows to 30cm in height. These plants have some resistance to Mildew. They are bushy plants with narrow, dark, green leaves and an abundance of small white, yellow and orange star shaped flowers. For a good display plant seedlings at 20cm apart. Plants available from Sept. - Jan.