Kentford-based seed specialist lands major award at Chelsea Flower Show

Kentford-based seed specialist Mr Fothergills has been celebrating after landing a major award at this year's Chelsea Flower Show.

Its Optigrow seeds were named Garden Product of the Year 2018 after beating off competition from 11 other finalists.

Optigrow is a revolutionary, non-chemical seed priming treatment that uses only water and air to get the seed biologically ready for germination, breaking dormancy prior to use. As well as superfast germination, the seeds are also proven to produce vigorous seedlings able to out-grow competing weeds.

Extensive trials under garden conditions has produced more uniform crops, better harvests and quality vegetables. There is also evidence that germination becomes possible under a wider range of conditions.

Mr Fothergill's retail marketing manager, Ian Cross, said: "Seed priming has been used in professional growing for many years but launch of this range marks a real step change in the seed market. It presents the professional and hobby gardener alike with genuine and valuable performance benefits. It is the most exciting development for home gardeners since the introduction of F1 hybrid seed varieties."

According to the judges: "In a world where we are trying to remove the use of chemicals, this unique non-chemical process naturally prepares seeds for more successful sowing. Anything that removes disappointment in seeds germination it to be welcomed."