The seeds market has seen a welcome boost thanks to a much-needed respite from the chilly start to the growing season, according to the latest from GfK.
Flower seeds increased by 1.4% for the year to May 2013 compared with the same period last year, with April and May seeing growth figures of 15.2% and 49.1% respectively. An encouraging result, said GfK, considering March alone saw a decline of 41% in the category.

Hardy sweet pea seeds defied the cold weather seen at the start of the year with 15.4% growth. Sunflower seeds saw a decline of 47% in March, but bounced back with an impressive 45.1% increase in May.

Said GfK account manager Richard Maden: "Overall the garden category has seen improved performance this year, helping to compensate for the declines we saw at the beginning of the season, mainly due to the cold weather.

"We are optimistic that this will continue and that we will see some very positive figures for the garden category over the coming months, especially if this warm weather continues."

The figures back up a recent report from the GCA that seed sales performed well for member garden centres during May.