Fans of Game of Thrones might get apprehensive upon hearing, “Winter is coming.” It’s quite the opposite for gardeners, though, particularly those who grow colourful winter flowers.

Across Pakistan, late September to early November is the ideal period for sowing winter-flowering plants. These include calendula, pansy, snapdragon (also known as the dog flower), petunia, phlox and even marigold.

Here are some tricks and techniques, especially for new and kitchen gardeners, on growing winter-flowering plants.

Choose fresh seeds, preferably from the current or previous season. Seed quality is an important factor in healthy germination and healthy growth. Check with the seller what colour flowers the seeds are expected to produce. It is better to purchase seeds from a reputed nursery or seller. Seeds that have been treated with........

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