Euroflor have produced special flower mixes to mark the centenary of the start of the First World War, to be commemorated in 2014.
Poppy mixes for the UK, and special flower mixes for other nations – including cornflowers for the blue of France – are available now through Rigby Taylor.
"Germination testing of poppy seeds has been our main priority," says Euroflor consultant Howard Wood. "We have been rigorous in our testing because poppy seed should be at its premium germination rate when it is sold."
Commonwealth War Graves Commission staff visited the Euroflor trials site at Valence in France where Euroflor seed mixes are produced.
"Poppies are vital to commemoration sites of the UK and we have worked hard to produce the best possible varieties," says Stephen Alderton, Euroflor director of marketing and development.
"Our special Alliance mix includes poppies, cornflowers – mainly blue but also crimson, white and pink – to symbolise the alliance of British and French soldiers who were joined by other soldiers from Commonwealth countries.
"With all the focus being on poignant flower displays next year we think we have produced the ideal mixes for local authorities and organisations planning to mark the anniversary."
Souvenir is an exclusive poppy mix used by Great Britain and the Commonwealth countries, including Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Poppies also honour soldiers from the United States.
Other mixes include Hope, a multicoloured perennial mix including poppies, cornflowers and other meadow plants – very long-flowering from June to September for early May sowings.
Bleuet de France is a mix of cornflowers, mainly blue but also white, crimson and pink.
"Euroflor offers the possibility to decorate villages, roadsides and monuments associated with the Great War using a range of flowers which best symbolise all those who died in the conflict," says Stephen Alderton.
