Must-have seeds 2011

Steven Desmond recommends some of the top seed must-haves for 2011 from an alpine strawberry to some beautiful flowers

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Primula secundiflora

 Echium italicum Icing-pink flowers appear on this statuesque beauty's fuzzy stem from June to October

Alpine strawberry Baron Solemacher This European favourite will produce small, intensely sweet berries for a lengthy season

Meraviglia di Venezia A meaty, stringless French Bean that can grow up to three yards high with support Primula secundiflora The magenta bells of this diminutive woodland dweller have helped to establish it as a favourite

Seakale The stalks of this Victorian delicacy can be eaten raw, or steamed and served with butter Tropaeolum majus Empress of India A gloriously old-fashioned form of the garden nasturtium, with velvety, open-throated flowers

Where to buy

Chiltern 01229 581137; www.chilternseeds.co.uk

Franchi 020-8427 5020; www.seedsofitaly.com

Marshalls 01480 443390; www.marshalls-seeds.co.uk

Pictorial Meadows 0114-267 7635; www.pictorialmeadows.co.uk

Ray Brown 0870 850 3756; www.raybrowns.co.uk

Thomas Etty 01460 298249; www.thomasetty.co.uk

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