August 13, 2022 - Garden and Allotment Tips and Advice

Allotment Flowers – The Best to Grow: The Comprehensive Guide

Gardening on an allotment offers a rewarding opportunity to cultivate a variety of flowers, enhancing the beauty of your garden space while attracting beneficial insects and creating a vibrant, colorful environment. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, selecting the right flowers can significantly impact the success and enjoyment of your allotment gardening experience. This comprehensive guide explores the best flowers to grow on allotments, providing insights into their care, maintenance, and the unique benefits they offer.

Introduction

Allotment gardens serve as urban oases, providing space for individuals and families to engage with nature, grow their own produce, and cultivate a sense of community. Incorporating flowers into your allotment not only adds aesthetic value but also plays a crucial role in supporting pollinators, enhancing biodiversity, and improving the overall health of your garden ecosystem. This guide aims to help you select the best flowers for your allotment, offering practical advice on planting, care, and maintenance to ensure a flourishing and sustainable garden.

Benefits of Growing Flowers on Allotments

Growing flowers on your allotment offers numerous advantages beyond mere visual appeal:

Pollinator Attraction: Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators essential for the health of your vegetable and fruit crops.
Biodiversity: A variety of plants supports a balanced ecosystem, encouraging beneficial insects and deterring pests.
Aesthetic Appeal: Vibrant colors and diverse textures enhance the beauty of your allotment, making it a more enjoyable space.
Mental Well-being: Gardening and tending to flowers can reduce stress, improve mood, and provide a sense of accomplishment.
Extended Growing Season: Certain flowers bloom at different times, ensuring continuous color and interest throughout the year.

Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book

Are you starting an allotment or planning on growing your own fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a kitchen garden? If so we highly recommend the book Allotment Month By Month. This does exactly what it does on the cover to help you with what you should be doing in the allotment and kitchen garden each month. Below you can see the link for Amazon where you can purchase the book directly. This book is extremely popular with all allotment holders as you will read in the reviews:-

Click to check the book on Amazon

You can check out all the allotment and kitchen garden books we recommend

Top Flowers to Grow on Allotments

Selecting the right flowers for your allotment depends on various factors, including climate, soil type, sunlight availability, and your gardening experience. Below is a curated list of some of the best flowers to grow on allotments, categorized by their growth habits.

Annuals

Annual flowers complete their life cycle in one growing season, providing vibrant blooms and continuous color.

Marigolds (Tagetes spp.):
- Benefits: Repel pests like nematodes and aphids.
- Care: Thrive in full sun with well-drained soil.
- Varieties: French marigolds, African marigolds.
Petunias (Petunia spp.):
- Benefits: Attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
- Care: Prefer full sun and regular deadheading for prolonged blooming.
- Varieties: Wave petunias, grandiflora petunias.
Zinnias (Zinnia spp.):
- Benefits: Attract pollinators and provide bright colors.
- Care: Require full sun and well-drained soil.
- Varieties: Single-flowered, double-flowered zinnias.
Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum spp.):
- Benefits: Edible flowers and leaves, natural pest deterrents.
- Care: Prefer full sun to partial shade and poor, well-drained soil.
- Varieties: Tall, trailing nasturtiums.

Perennials

Perennial flowers return year after year, offering consistent beauty with less maintenance.

Lavender (Lavandula spp.):
- Benefits: Aromatic, attracts pollinators, and repels pests.
- Care: Needs full sun and well-drained soil.
- Varieties: English lavender, Spanish lavender.
Rudbeckia (Rudbeckia spp.):
- Benefits: Long blooming period, attracts butterflies.
- Care: Tolerant of various soil types, prefers full sun.
- Varieties: Black-eyed Susan, Mary Washington.
Echinacea (Echinacea spp.):
- Benefits: Medicinal properties, attracts pollinators.
- Care: Requires full sun and well-drained soil.
- Varieties: Purple coneflower, white coneflower.
Sedum (Sedum spp.):
- Benefits: Drought-tolerant, attracts bees and butterflies.
- Care: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
- Varieties: Autumn joy, dragon’s blood.

Bulbs

Bulb flowers provide early-season color and can be planted in both spring and autumn.

Tulips (Tulipa spp.):
- Benefits: Iconic spring blooms in a wide range of colors.
- Care: Plant in well-drained soil with full to partial sun.
- Varieties: Darwin hybrids, Triumph tulips.
Daffodils (Narcissus spp.):
- Benefits: Hardy, early spring blooms, natural pest repellents.
- Care: Plant in well-drained soil with full sun.
- Varieties: Trumpet daffodils, small-cupped daffodils.
Alliums (Allium spp.):
- Benefits: Unique spherical blooms, attract beneficial insects.
- Care: Require full sun and well-drained soil.
- Varieties: Globe alliums, star alliums.
Crocuses (Crocus spp.):
- Benefits: Among the first flowers to bloom in spring, low maintenance.
- Care: Plant in well-drained soil with full to partial sun.
- Varieties: Dutch crocuses, snow crocuses.

Climbing Plants

Climbing flowers add vertical interest and can cover trellises, fences, and arbors.

Sweet Peas (Lathyrus odoratus):
- Benefits: Fragrant flowers, attract pollinators.
- Care: Require full sun and support structures.
- Varieties: Double sweet peas, single sweet peas.
Morning Glories (Ipomoea spp.):
- Benefits: Rapid growth, vibrant morning blooms.
- Care: Need full sun and well-drained soil.
- Varieties: Heavenly blue, Scarlet trumpet.
Climbing Roses (Rosa spp.):
- Benefits: Classic beauty, long blooming period.
- Care: Require full sun, well-drained soil, and regular pruning.
- Varieties: Hybrid teas, floribunda climbing roses.
Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.):
- Benefits: Fragrant, attracts bees and hummingbirds.
- Care: Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
- Varieties: Japanese honeysuckle, Trumpet honeysuckle.

How to Choose the Right Flowers for Your Allotment

Selecting the best flowers for your allotment involves considering several factors to ensure they thrive and complement your gardening goals.

Climate and Hardiness

Understand Your Climate Zone: Choose flowers that are well-suited to your local climate, ensuring they can withstand temperature variations and seasonal changes.
Hardiness Ratings: Refer to the USDA Hardiness Zone or your country’s equivalent to select hardy varieties.

Sunlight Availability

Full Sun: Most flowering plants prefer at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Partial Shade: Some flowers thrive in areas with morning sun and afternoon shade.
Shade Tolerant: Limited options, but certain perennials like hostas and astilbes can flourish in shaded areas.

Soil Conditions

Soil Type: Assess whether your allotment has sandy, clay, loamy, or silty soil and choose flowers accordingly.
Soil pH: Most flowers prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0), but some varieties have specific pH requirements.

Maintenance Level

Low Maintenance: Opt for drought-tolerant and pest-resistant varieties if you prefer minimal upkeep.
High Maintenance: Select flowers that require regular pruning, staking, and pest management for more dedicated gardeners.

Bloom Time

Continuous Blooming: Choose a mix of early, mid, and late-season bloomers to ensure year-round color.
Specialized Blooms: Focus on specific bloom times to create seasonal displays.

Companion Planting

Beneficial Relationships: Plant flowers that complement your vegetables and herbs by attracting beneficial insects or repelling pests.
Aesthetic Combinations: Create visually appealing combinations by mixing colors, textures, and heights.

Planting and Care Tips

Proper planting and consistent care are essential for healthy, vibrant flowers on your allotment.

Soil Preparation

Clear the Area: Remove weeds, rocks, and debris from the planting site.
Improve Soil Structure: Incorporate organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to enhance soil fertility and drainage.
Test Soil pH: Use a soil testing kit to determine pH levels and amend as necessary with lime (to raise pH) or sulfur (to lower pH).

Planting Techniques

Timing: Plant spring-flowering bulbs in the fall and summer annuals after the last frost date.
Spacing: Follow spacing guidelines on seed packets or plant tags to ensure adequate airflow and reduce competition.
Depth: Plant bulbs at the recommended depth, typically three times their height, to encourage strong root development.
Support Structures: Install trellises or stakes for climbing plants at the time of planting to avoid disturbing roots later.

Watering and Fertilizing

Consistent Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during germination and blooming periods. Water early in the day to reduce evaporation and prevent fungal diseases.
Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Fertilizing: Use balanced fertilizers or organic options like compost tea to provide essential nutrients. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms.

Pruning and Deadheading

Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and prevent seed formation.
Pruning: Trim back overgrown or leggy plants to maintain shape and promote airflow.
Dividing Perennials: Divide overcrowded perennials in early spring or late autumn to rejuvenate plants and increase your flower stock.

Maintenance and Sustainability Practices

Maintaining a healthy and sustainable allotment garden ensures long-term success and environmental benefits.

Pest and Disease Management

Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Combine biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical methods to manage pests sustainably.
Beneficial Insects: Encourage natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings by planting nectar-rich flowers.
Organic Remedies: Use neem oil, insecticidal soaps, or homemade sprays to control pests without harming beneficial insects.
Disease Prevention: Ensure proper spacing for airflow, avoid overhead watering, and rotate flower families to prevent soil-borne diseases.

Composting and Soil Health

Composting: Recycle kitchen scraps, garden waste, and fallen leaves to create nutrient-rich compost for soil amendment.
Cover Crops: Plant cover crops like clover or vetch during off-seasons to improve soil structure and fertility.
Crop Rotation: Rotate different flower families each year to prevent nutrient depletion and reduce pest buildup.

Water Conservation

Rainwater Harvesting: Install rain barrels to collect and store rainwater for garden use, reducing dependence on tap water.
Drip Irrigation: Use drip irrigation systems to deliver water directly to the plant roots, minimizing evaporation and runoff.
Drought-Tolerant Varieties: Incorporate drought-resistant flowers that require less water, especially in arid climates.

Resources and Support

Enhance your allotment gardening knowledge and skills with the following resources:

Local Gardening Clubs: Join Sheffield-based gardening clubs or societies for workshops, plant exchanges, and community support.
Sheffield City Council: Access information on allotment regulations, available plots, and gardening resources through the Sheffield City Council Allotments Page.
Gardening Libraries: Visit local libraries or online repositories for books, magazines, and articles on flower gardening and horticulture.
Online Forums and Communities: Participate in online gardening forums, social media groups, or platforms like Reddit’s r/gardening for tips and advice.
Workshops and Training: Attend local workshops or webinars on flower gardening, pest management, and sustainable practices offered by gardening centers or community organizations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What Are the Best Flowers for Beginners on an Allotment?

Answer: Beginners should start with hardy, low-maintenance flowers like marigolds, zinnias, nasturtiums, and lavender. These plants are generally easy to grow, pest-resistant, and provide vibrant colors.

2. How Often Should I Water My Allotment Flowers?

Answer: Most allotment flowers require consistent watering, especially during dry spells. Aim to water deeply once or twice a week, adjusting based on rainfall and temperature. Early morning watering is ideal to reduce evaporation and prevent fungal diseases.

3. Can I Grow Edible Flowers on My Allotment?

Answer: Yes, many edible flowers like nasturtiums, pansies, and marigolds can be grown on allotments. Ensure they are free from pesticides and grown organically if intended for consumption.

4. How Do I Prevent Flowers from Becoming Leggy?

Answer: To prevent legginess, provide adequate sunlight, avoid over-fertilizing, and pinch back stems regularly. Ensuring proper spacing and supporting tall varieties can also help maintain a compact growth habit.

5. What Should I Do If My Flowers Stop Blooming?

Answer: If flowers stop blooming, deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth, ensure plants are receiving enough sunlight, and check for nutrient deficiencies. Sometimes, adjusting watering practices can also revive blooming.

6. Are There Any Flowers That Can Help Repel Garden Pests?

Answer: Yes, flowers like marigolds, nasturtiums, lavender, and garlic chives are known to repel various garden pests. Planting these among your vegetables can provide natural pest control benefits.

7. How Can I Extend the Blooming Season of My Allotment Flowers?

Answer: To extend the blooming season, plant a variety of flowers that bloom at different times, deadhead regularly, and provide optimal growing conditions. Incorporating both annuals and perennials ensures continuous color throughout the year.

8. Do I Need to Use Fertilizer for Allotment Flowers?

Answer: While many flowers benefit from regular fertilization, using organic fertilizers like compost or well-rotted manure can improve soil fertility and promote healthy growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms.

9. What Are Some Drought-Tolerant Flowers Suitable for Allotments?

Answer: Drought-tolerant flowers include lavender, sedum, echinacea, and yarrow. These plants require less water and are ideal for gardeners looking to conserve water or dealing with dry conditions.

Conclusion

Growing flowers on your allotment enriches the gardening experience by adding beauty, attracting pollinators, and fostering a healthy ecosystem. By selecting the right varieties, providing proper care, and implementing sustainable practices, you can cultivate a flourishing floral garden that brings joy and satisfaction year after year. Whether you prefer the vibrant hues of annuals, the perennial resilience of hardy plants, or the elegance of climbing flowers, your allotment can become a colorful sanctuary that reflects your gardening passion and creativity.

Gardening With Ben Podcasts

If you love podcasts and are passionate about gardening, why not tune in to Gardening with Ben’s Allotment Podcasts? Packed with tips, inspiration, and plenty of down-to-earth advice, Ben’s podcasts are perfect for anyone looking to get the most out of their garden or allotment.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, Gardening with Ben covers a wide range of topics to keep you informed and motivated. From seasonal planting guides and pest control tips to creating a wildlife-friendly space, there’s something for everyone. Each episode is filled with Ben’s friendly, relatable charm, making it feel like you’re chatting with a gardening buddy.

Don’t miss out on the latest episode below, where Ben shares his insights on what to plant this month, how to prepare your soil, and creative ways to make the most of the colder seasons. It’s the perfect companion for your next cup of tea or a relaxing moment in your gardening shed.

You can also listen to Gardening with Ben’s podcasts on your favorite platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Prefer hands-free? Simply ask Alexa, “Play Gardening with Ben,” and you’ll be ready to dig into the latest episode.

So, if you’re looking for gardening inspiration, practical advice, or just a bit of friendly encouragement to get your hands dirty, tune in to Gardening with Ben’s Allotment Podcasts. It’s your perfect gardening companion, wherever you are! 🌱🎧