How to Sow Pastel Baby Doll Seeds in the UK

Pastel Baby Doll is a charming half-hardy perennial with a compact, bushy growth habit, reaching a height of approximately 15 cm (6 inches). This delightful plant produces an abundance of large, bi-coloured flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white, blooming from early summer until the first frost. Ideal for containers, window boxes, garden beds, and borders, Pastel Baby Doll is perfect for adding vibrant colour to outdoor spaces.

When and Where to Sow Pastel Baby Doll Seeds

• Indoor Sowing: Start seeds indoors from February to April for an early start to the growing season. Use seed trays, pots, or containers placed in a bright, warm location.
• Outdoor Sowing: Direct sow seeds outdoors from June to October, once the risk of frost has passed. Choose a sunny or partially shaded location with well-drained soil.

Ideal Growing Conditions for Pastel Baby Doll

• Soil Requirements: Prefers light, well-drained, fertile soil enriched with compost. Avoid heavy, compacted soil that retains excessive moisture.
• Sunlight: Thrives in full sun to partial shade for the best flowering results.
• Temperature: Ideal germination temperature: 15-20°C (59-68°F). Plants can tolerate cooler UK conditions, particularly during blooming.

How to Sow Pastel Baby Doll Seeds Indoors

1. Prepare Containers: Fill seed trays or small pots with fine, well-draining compost.
2. Sowing Depth: Sow seeds 6 mm (¼ inch) deep, covering lightly with compost.
3. Watering: Water gently to moisten the compost, ensuring it is evenly moist but not waterlogged.
4. Germination Conditions: Place containers in a bright, warm location (15-20°C), such as a windowsill or greenhouse. Germination occurs within 14-28 days.
5. Thinning and Transplanting: Once seedlings are large enough to handle, harden them off by gradually introducing them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days. Transplant to final growing positions, spacing plants 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) apart.

How to Sow Pastel Baby Doll Seeds Outdoors

1. Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil and remove weeds to create a fine seedbed.
2. Sowing Depth: Sow seeds 6 mm (¼ inch) deep directly into prepared soil. Cover lightly with a fine layer of soil.
3. Watering: Water gently after sowing and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
4. Thinning Seedlings: Once seedlings emerge, thin them to 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) apart to allow for proper growth and airflow.

Caring for Pastel Baby Doll Plants

• Watering: Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not overly wet. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, especially in warm weather.
• Feeding: Apply a light, balanced fertiliser every 4-6 weeks during the growing season for strong growth and vibrant flowers.
• Deadheading: Remove faded flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season.

Common Questions About Growing Pastel Baby Doll in the UK

• How tall do Pastel Baby Doll plants grow? These compact plants reach approximately 15 cm (6 inches), making them ideal for containers and small spaces.
• Can Pastel Baby Doll grow in cooler weather? Yes, they tolerate cooler UK conditions, particularly during germination and blooming.
• When do Pastel Baby Doll flowers bloom? Flowers bloom from early summer through to the first frost, providing long-lasting colour.
• Do Pastel Baby Doll plants require deadheading? Yes, removing spent flowers encourages fresh blooms and keeps the plants looking tidy.

By following these steps, you can successfully grow Pastel Baby Doll in your UK garden, enjoying its beautiful bi-coloured blooms throughout the season. Whether grown in containers, garden beds, or window boxes, this compact variety is an excellent choice for adding colour and charm to any outdoor space.