Blooming crackers
Eco-friendly Blooming Crackers are the greenest Christmas crackers filled with seeds / Hand-crafted in Cornwall
Blooming Crackers bring sustainability, style and seeds to your Christmas table… The crackers are made from 100% recycled card printed with 2 botanical designs (3 of each) and are tied up with paper raffia ribbon – meaning the whole cracker is recyclable.
Each box includes 6 filled crackers; containing a snap, paper hat, terrible joke (!) and a packet of seeds (6 x various) to be planted and enjoyed.
Colour of hats may differ from those pictured.
There are a mixture of flower and vegetable seed gifts in every box of eco-friendly Blooming Crackers, these sustainable Christmas crackers are packaged in biodegradable glassine bags and each feature a QR code leading to full planting instructions further down this page.
Each seed packet asks you to scan a QR code for planting instructions – search your seed variety in the planting instructions below.
Planting instructions
Click on the seed type for information:
BEETROOT PABLO F1
BORAGE BLUE ORGANIC
BUTTERNUT SQUASH ‘HUNTER F1’
CARROT TENDERSWEET
CHIVES CIPOLLINA
CORNFLOWER ‘BLUE BOY’
COSMOS BIPINNATUS ‘GLORIA’
COURGETTE GREEN BUSH
CUCUMBER SPACEMASTER 80
DWARF FRENCH BEAN PURPLE QUEEN
ECHINACEA CONEFLOWER PURPLE
HOLLYHOCK ‘ANTWERP’ MIX
GARDEN PEA ‘RONDO’
LETTUCE / MIXED LEAF MESCULIN
LUPIN RUSSEL MIXED
NASTURTIUM ‘TROPAEOLUM JEWEL MIX’
NIGELLA LOVE IN A MIST, MISS JEKYLL
OX EYE DAISY LEUCANTHEMUM VULGARE
POPPY NUDICAULE ICELAND MIX
RADISH ‘FRENCH BREAKFAST 2’
SPRING ONION / TOKYO LONG WHITE SPRING
SPINACH PERPETUAL
SUNFLOWER AUTUMN BEAUTY
SUNFLOWER ‘MONGOLIAN GIANT’
SWEET PEA ‘ROYAL FAMILY’ MIX
SWEET WILLIAM DOUBLE MIX
TOMATO ALICANTE
WALLFLOWER ‘ENGLISH FAIR LADY’ MIX
BEETROOT PABLO F1
An excellent variety producing a reliable crop of smooth-skinned, round roots with a dark red skin with an excellent flavour. Can be picked early or tinned as succulent baby beets as well as mature roots.
- Sow seeds in situ in Spring after the last frost when the ground has warmed up
- and then plant successive sowings to early summer.
- Thinly sow 1cm deep in rows 30cm apart.
- Thin seedlings to 8cm apart.
- Early sowings can be made indoors / heated greenhouse in modules /
- trays and planted out at 5cm tall after all risk of frost has passed.
- Pre soaking seed in warm water 0.5 – 1 hour before sowing will speed up germination.
BORAGE BLUE ORGANIC
Especially popular with chefs, this Italian favourite produces an abundance of bright dark flat green leaves of excellent strong flavour held well above the ground on 12 inch plants. Can be grown on the windowsill or equally in the garden for a continuous all year round crop. Annual.
- Can be sown undercover or outdoors from late April onwards. Sow seeds in drills or sparingly in trays 6mm (1⁄4in) deep.
- Thin out / transplant to 30cm (12in) apart when large enough to handle.
- Borage will grow in most soils but prefers well drained soil and full sun.
BUTTERNUT SQUASH ‘HUNTER F1’
Bred specifically for the UK / Northern European climate this variety delivers outstanding crops over a variety of UK summer conditions with very high yields per plant.
- A sunny spot protected from strong winds is essential.
- The soil must be well drained and rich in humus, the more the better. I fill each hole at least 12” square with garden compost and paper at the bottom into which goes a single plant. For bush varieties 24in between each plant is fine – 48in for vines.
- Many winter Squash / Pumpkins like to sprawl out and need plenty of space. Vining Squash / Pumpkins require a larger area to run, whilst semi-vining and bush varieties of winter squash / courgette can be well contained. If space is tight just keep turning the branches back to the centre to prevent spreading and over-running other plants.
CARROT TENDERSWEET
Widely recognised as one the sweetest carrots available with one of the finest flavours. Roots are deep orange, extremely crispy, coreless and tapered reaching 7-8 In. 75 days from germination.
- Height: 16-20 inches
- Spacing: 2-3 inches between plants, 12-14 inches between rows
- Seed Depth: 1/4-1/2 inch
- Sun/Shade: full sun
Dig or till the carrot bed deeply when the soil is on the dry side to avoid making lumps. Work the soil to a fine texture 10-15cm (6-10 in.) deep.
Avoid freshly-manured soil, which may produce hairy, rough roots and will cause forks and splits; Sow seed thinly in rows, 1cm (1/2 in.) deep, 20-30cm between the rows as soon as the danger of hard frost has passed. Try to get about 4 seeds per 2cm (1 in.) Thin to 16-20 carrots per 30 cm (1ft.) as this variety is picked young and small. Keep weeded and watered.
Dispose of any thinned seedlings to avoid attracting Carrot Fly.
As they grow, push soil up over any exposed roots to prevent a green shoulder. Can be companion planted between onions or with marigolds to help reduce Carrot Fly problem.
CHIVES CIPOLLINA
One of the most popular culinary herbs with narrow, grass-like leaves giving a mild onion-like flavour. A bulb spreads and forms clumps of tubular leaves 12-18 inches high and is also very decorative in full bloom with ball-shaped lavender-pink flowers. Leaves are ideal to use for flavouring salads, eggs, potatoes, soups etc…Young flower blossoms can be used as edible garnish. Cut leaves quickly grow back.
Days To Germination: 10-14
Planting Depth: 1/4 inch
Spacing, Plant: 18 inches
Light: Warm Sunny Location
- Sow thinly in pots / trays indoors from Mar for the earliest start covering with ¼ inch of fine compost. Keep soil moderately moist during germination.
- Can be sown outdoors after all danger of frost has passed through to Sep.
- When seedlings are about 2 inches high, thin to 12-18 inches apart. Carefully replant thinned seedlings.
- Can be harvested continuously once mature. For best flavour and texture harvest prior to flowering.
- Snip leaves at the base of the plant to encourage growth. Leaves can also be dried for later use.
- Plants can also be grown indoors on a windowsill during the winter months.
CORNFLOWER ‘BLUE BOY’
Easily grown cottage garden annual that is drought resistant and grows to a height of 80mm-100mm.
Days To Germination: 5-10 days
Optimum Soil Temp. for Germination: 60F-70F
Planting Depth: 1/8 to ¼ inch
Spacing, Seed: 3-6 inch
Spacing, Plant: 10 to 12 inches
Plant Height: 24-36 inches
Light: Full Sun/Partial Shade
- Seeds can be started indoors 4 to 6 weeks before last spring frost.
- Or direct-sow seeds outside after all danger of frost has passed to a depth of 1/8 to ¼ inch, well pressed as darkness aids in germination.
- Tolerates a variety of soil types.
- When seedlings are 2 to 3 inches high, thin to 10 to 12 inches apart.
- Replant thinned plants.
COSMOS BIPINNATUS ‘GLORIA’
Heavy blooming, rose-pink flowers with crimson centre, tall variety that can grow up to 4 ft.
Days To Germination: 5-10
Planting Depth: 1/4 inch
Spacing, Plant: 12 inches
Plant Height: 36-48 inches
Light: Full Sun
- Sow early indoors / under cover with warmth 4-6 weeks prior to the last frost in individual pots or trays.
- Cover seed with 1/4 inch fine soil. Keep soil moderately moist and warm during germination.
- Can be sown directly outdoors after danger of frost has passed through early summer.
- Thin or transplant to 12 inches apart when plants are 2 to 3 inches tall.
- Gradually acclimatise outside after all danger of frost has passed.
- Cosmos grows best in full sun in ordinary garden soil and may re-sow itself.
- Fairly drought resistant, water only when soil is dry for an extended period.
COURGETTE GREEN BUSH
Sow March – April, Plant out May – June, Harvest July – October
- Requires a sunny spot protected from strong winds.
- The soil should be well drained and rich in humus, the more the better.
For an early start (late Mar) place a single seed edgeways 1/2inch deep in seed compost in a 3inch pot. The critical part is temperature, these need at least 65F continuous soil temperature (preferably more to maximise germination rates) until germinated. - Keep the soil moist – water copiously around the plants, not over them.
- Keep weed free to allow air circulation.
- Once the plants start to fruit, feed every 14 days with a tomato type fertilizer, these are greedy plants.
CUCUMBER SPACEMASTER 80
Compact plant produces excellent yields of dark green 6 to 8 inch blocky fruits on dwarf 36 inch, hardy vines. Vines need only 1/3 the space of standard cucumbers, hence ideal for smaller gardens. Adapted to a wide range of conditions and ideal for growing in containers or the ground.
Type: Half-Hardy Annual
Temperature Required: 21-25°c
Time to Germinate: 7-14
Days Days to Maturity: 60-70 Days
Position/ Light: Full Sun
- Sow under cover (protected) from Mid spring, 3-4 seeds 1in deep in a 3 in pot in good compost, and thin later to the best one or two plants per clump.
- Transplant no later than 3 weeks after seeding as cucumbers have a tap root that can be easily damaged.
- Ensure the weather is warm if planting outside, ensuring a sheltered and sunny position.
- Cucumbers germinate and grow best when summer really gets going or under glass.
- To avoid bitterness, keep plants evenly moist at all times.
- Ideal for growing in containers of at least 8″ diameter, must be kept moist.
- Keep them picked and they’ll keep producing.
DWARF FRENCH BEAN PURPLE QUEEN
One of the best flavoured Dwarf French Beans there is producing heavy yields of glossy purple, smooth and straight string-less beans. Pods should be picked young and regularly to encourage cropping over a long period. Delicious eaten raw or when cooked they change colour to an appetising dark green colour. Very easy to grow and little maintenance required.
Time to harvest: 8-12 weeks
Germination time: 7-14 days
Planting Depth: 1 inch
Spacing, Row: 18 inches
Spacing, Seeds: 4-6 inches
Light: Sunny Location
- For an early crop sow in warmth in mid spring 6 weeks before the last expected frost in your area.
- Sow seeds individually in 7.5cm (3in) pots at 18-21C (65-70F).
- Otherwise sow outdoors 4-6 in between seeds when the soil has warmed during late spring after all danger of frost as they are sensitive to low soil temperatures.
- Keep weed free and protect from pests whilst young.
- Plants do not require support.
- Harvest as pods are ripe, the plants should continue to flower if picked steadily.
ECHINACEA CONEFLOWER PURPLE
A Hardy colourful “Herbaceous Perennial” attaining 24-36 inches high with long-lasting, large purple flowers that resemble Black-Eyed Susans. Its long stems make it ideal for cut flower bouquets. It does great in moist or dry soils, and combines well with other tall perennials such as Daisies. The bloom period for these flowers is Spring and Summer. Can be sown from Spring or Autumn.
- Sow from 4-6 weeks before the last frost in pots / trays under cover and cover seeds with 1/8″ fine soil.
- Can be sown directly outdoors from late spring after danger of severe frost has passed.
- Seeds sown early enough may bloom the first year. Seeds sown from late spring through early autumn will boom the following year.
- Thin or carefully transplant seedlings when large enough to handle and grow on.
- Gradually acclimatise outdoors and plant 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for eventual growth.
- Plants grow best in fairly rich well drained soil.
- Water established plants only when dry.
- Divide large clumps of well established plants in the spring or fall.
HOLLYHOCK ‘ANTWERP’ MIX
A true hardy perennial, reaches 6-7 feet, producing large 3-5in single saucer shaped flowers across a wide colour range of yellow, copper, pink, red, and white.
- Days To Germination: 14-21 days.
- Sow in pots/ trays from early spring to late summer germinating at a minimum of 65F.
- Alternatively sow directly in soil after all danger of frost has passed to a depth of 1/16 of an inch and cover with fine soil.
- Keep soil moderately moist during germination.
- When 2-3 inches, thin to 18 to 24 inches apart, transplant thinning’s.
- Feed during the Spring.
- Cut established plants back after blooming
GARDEN PEA ‘RONDO’
An outstanding Main crop variety , straight long pods with an average of 10 peas per pod. Height: 75cm (30″). Spread: 25cm (10″).
- Plant where peas have not been grown for 2 seasons, digging in well rotted organic matter.
- Sow Mar – Jun 2” deep in 6” wide rows 2 inches apart.
- The distance between the rows should equal the expected height of the variety.
- Avoid sowing during any cold or very wet periods
- Protect immediately from birds.
- Keep weed free.
- Provide support by 3 inches tall.
- Pick regularly to maintain yields.
LETTUCE / MIXED LEAF MESCULIN
Includes green and red cutting lettuce, Rocket, Tatsoi, Mizuna, Red Giant Mustard and Red Russian Kale
Days To Germination: 7-14 days
Ideal Soil Temp. for Germination: 40F to 75F
Days To Harvest: 30-75 days
Planting Depth: 1/8 inch
Seed: ¼ inch
Row: 12-18 inches
Plant: 10-12 inches
Light: Sunny Location
- Lettuce is hardy and you can plant as soon as the soil can be worked.
- You can direct seed to a depth of 1/8 inch, and firm soil gently.
- Or can be started indoors 2 to 3 weeks before last frost.
- Also can be sown in the autumn for a late harvest.
- When seedlings are 1 to 2 inches high, thin/transplant to 10 to 12 inches apart.
- Replant thinned plants.
- Harvest with scissors 1 inch above soil line when plants are 4 to 6 inches high.
- Most varieties will grow back.
- Sow every 2-3 weeks for a continuous supply of fresh lettuce.
- In dry weather, keep soil moist and during germination.
- Grows best in cooler weather.
LUPIN RUSSEL MIXED
An ever popular garden perennial producing spectacular spikes of dense pea-like flowers in a wide range of single and bi-colours – purples, pinks and yellows. Adapts to most soil types. Blooms from Spring to Summer. The flowers are excellent for cutting.
- Sow 3 seeds to a pot from early spring to late summer.
- Alternatively plant seed directly outdoors in early spring.
- When seedlings are 2 to 3 inches high, thin to 12 to 24 inches apart.
- Replant thinned plants.
- Plant in a sunny location with well drained soil, keep plants moderately moist.
- Cut the flower stalks after the first bloom to encourage formation of a second spike.
NASTURTIUM ‘TROPAEOLUM JEWEL MIX’
A hardy annual growing to 12-14” with large Semi-double 2-2½” flowers held high above the foliage in mix of bright colours including crimson-red, scarlet-orange, gold and sulphur yellow. Likes full sun.
Planting Depth: 1/8-¼ inch. Spacing, Plant: 12-24 inches.
- Sow indoors / heated propagator from 3-4 weeks before the last spring frost or sow directly outdoors, in full sun, after all danger of frost has passed.
- Germination requires 65F.
- Keep soil moist during germination
- Cover with 1/8 to ¼ inch of fine soil. When seedlings are 2-3 inches high, thin/transplant to 12-24 inches apart.
- Replant thinned plants.
- Plant in sandy, well-drained soil.
- Do not fertilize. Enriched soil tends to promote more foliage than flowers.
NIGELLA LOVE IN A MIST, MISS JEKYLL
One of the most popular and reliable self seeding annuals available. Nigella ‘Miss Jekyll Mix’ produces an abundance of sky-blue, pink and white flowers from June, The seed pods are used in dried flower arrangements. Easy to cultivate. Tolerates a wide range of conditions.
- Prefers full sun.
- Sow outdoors in early spring or autumn on the surface, or barely cover the seeds.
- Thin to 4-6″ apart for larger plants.
- To prolong bloom, make successive sowings every 4 weeks throughout spring and early summer.
- Grow to 6-8 inches height.
OX EYE DAISY LEUCANTHEMUM VULGARE
A familiar and attractive grassland perennial found in meadows, grass verges and railway embankments. Ox Eye Daisy Leucanthemum Vulgare flourishes in well drained poor to medium rich soils. The 12’18in plants produce a single flower of white petals surrounding a yellow eye between late May and early September. The plant spreads via seeding producing up to 400 seeds per flower head.
- For cultivation under cover for more formal planting the following year sow in Aug / Sep.
- Sow finely in trays and barely cover with temperature between 15-20C. Do not exclude light.
- Germination in 15-30 days in correct conditions.
- When large enough to handle transplant to trays, grow on, gradually hardening off planting out in spring after all danger of frost has passed.
- If deadheaded you will get a second flush of blooms
- For meadows and drifts of colour the seed can be broadcast sown.
- Scatter seed extremely thinly on clear broken soil from Mar to May or if in a grassed area the ground must be scarified to reduce competition and well watered in.
- Allow the plants to set seed before cutting down or disturbing the area. Mowing / cutting down in late autumn will aid growth the following year.
POPPY NUDICAULE ICELAND MIX
Bi-annual poppy in mixed shades of red, pink, orange and yellow. Best when massed in large groups. Days to germination: 5-14. Planting Depth: 1/16 – 1/8 inch.
- Plant in a sunny location with well drained soil. Plant seed directly outdoors in early-mid spring.
- Cultivate soil, mix seeds with a cup of sand and broadcast lightly over planting area. Lightly rake into soil or cover with light soil to a depth of 1/16 to 1/8 inch.
- Can be sown in autumn in mild winter areas.
- “Papaver” do need a period of chill / exposure to cold once sown to germinate which breaks the seeds dormancy.
- This can also be achieved by placing placing in a fridge for 10-14 days prior to sowing.
- If not chilled the seeds will remain dormant until the following spring.
- When plants are 2 inches high, thin to 6 to 8 inches apart. Does not transplant well.
- Keep soil moderately moist during germination. Once plants are well established, water only as needed.
- For cut flowers, cut stem just before buds open and sear stem end in flame immediately.
- This plant will re-sow itself if left to seed.
RADISH 'FRENCH BREAKFAST 2'
Radish French Breakfast 2 organic new. A vigorous, ever popular, long rooted, white tipped radish. Crisp, tender and with excellent flavour. A must for every allotment and veg patch alike.
Sow often and little from the last frost until winter for a continuous crop all summer.
SPRING ONION / TOKYO LONG WHITE SPRING
Excellent for salads and garnishes. Suitable for summer and autumn harvests.
Days to Germination: 10-14.
Days To Harvest: 60-120.
Planting Depth: 1/2″.
Spacing, Row: 12-18 inches.
Spacing, Plant: 2-3 inches.
Light: Full Sun or Partial Shade.
- For the finest onions, sow seed directly outdoors, depth 1/4 to 1/2 inch, in full sun to partial shade and well drained soil as soon as the ground can be worked in Spring.
- Planting Space rows 12 inches apart.
- Scatter seed in the row at the rate of 3 seeds per inch.
- Seed can be started indoors 8-10 weeks before transplanting outdoors.
- When transplanting, clip plants to three inches and plant 2 inches deep.
- When seedlings are 3 inches high, thin to stand 2 to 3 inches apart.
- Harvest young plants in 60 days or up to 120 days for mature plants.
- Fertile, moist soil enriched with compost is best for onion production.
SPINACH PERPETUAL
A perfect alternative spinach crop to avoid the most common problem of bolting during summer for many varieties. Spinach Perpetual is succulent, prolific and very hardy, suitable for autumn and winter crops too.
- Planting Depth: 1/2 inch
- Spacing, Row: 12-18 inches
- Spacing, plants: Sow 12-18 seeds per foot
- Light: Sunny Location
- Spinach germinates best in cool soil.
- Sow Mar – Apr & Sep – Oct
- Sow about 6-12 seeds per foot, 1/2 inch deep, in rows 12-18 inches apart and thin when large enough.
- Gradually thin to 6-9 in apart as they grow.
- Harvest young spinach leaves during growth and full-size.
- Protect during harsh cold spells and from winter birds for a harvest over winter
- Spinach grows on a wide range of soils if moist and fertile, but is sensitive to acidity.
SUNFLOWER AUTUMN BEAUTY
Multi-headed 4 to 8 inch blossoms on 6-8’ strong stemmed plants. Autumn Beauty colours are a mixture of reds, browns, mahogany, orange & gold. Likes full sun.
Days To Germination: 14-21 days. Optimum Soil Temp. for Germination: 68F-86F. Planting Depth: 1/4 inch. Spacing, Seed: 4-6 inch. Spacing, Plant: 24-36 inches.
- Seeds can be started indoors 3 to 4 weeks before last spring frost.
- Or direct-sow seeds outside after all danger of frost has passed to a depth of 1/4 inch. Can be sown as late as 100 days before last frost.
- When seedlings are 2 to 3 inches high, thin to individual pots. Replant thinned plants.
- Protect from Snails / Slugs whilst young.
- Steadily harden off before planting out after all danger of frost has passed.
- May require staking / support in exposed positions.
SUNFLOWER ‘MONGOLIAN GIANT’
A true giant reaching up to 420cm (14ft) tall with one of the largest flowering sunflower seed heads available which can achieve up to 45cm (18in) across. Not suitable for exposed sites and will need support.
Planting Depth: 1/4 inch. Spacing, Seed: 4-6 inch Spacing, Plant: 24-36 inches
- Seeds can be started indoors 3 to 4 weeks before last spring frost.
- Or direct-sow seeds outside after all danger of frost has passed to a depth of 1/4 inch.
- Can be sown as late as 100 days before last frost.
- When seedlings are 2 to 3 inches high, thin to individual pots.
- Replant thinned plants.
- Steadily harden off before planting out after all danger of frost has passed.
- These will require staking / support in all but the most sheltered locations.
SWEET PEA ‘ROYAL FAMILY’ MIX
A cordon variety that bears medium sized fruits with a superb sweet flavour. Performs well both under glass or outdoors in a sheltered sunny location. Height: 200cm.
- Sow in spring 1/16 inch deep. Germination takes around 6-14 days at 65-75F.
- Transplant the seedlings when large enough to handle into 3 inch pots. Grow on under cooler conditions and when about 8 inches tall, either plant in their growing position in the greenhouse or gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions and plant out 18 inches apart in a warm and sunny spot in moist, fertile well drained soil and keep watered.
SWEET WILLIAM DOUBLE MIX
A very popular and easy to cultivate biennial garden flower. Large flowering, with a broad mix of colours, both single / Bi double scented blossoms are produced on 18 inch erect stems. Blooms the year after planting, in mid-spring to mid-summer. With its fantastic colour range and strong scent it makes a wonderful long lasting cut flower.
Days To Germination: 7-14
Planting Depth: 1/8 – 1/4 inch
Spacing, Plant: 8-10inches
Plant Height: 18 inches
Light: Full Sun or Partial Shade
- Sow seeds sparingly in trays or directly outdoors from late spring to autumn for blooms the following year. Cover with 1/8 to 1/4-inch fine soil and firm down.
- Keep soil moderately moist during germination.
- When seedlings are large enough to handle transplant to trays and grow on or if planted directly outside at 2 inches high thin to 8 to 10 inches apart.
- Plant in full sun or partial shade.
- Prefers a somewhat moist cool climate.
- Remove dead flowers to encourage second blooming.
- Will readily reseed itself, if allowed.
TOMATO ALICANTE
A popular and reliable variety producing an abundance of beautiful and long lasting highly-fragrant flowers across a wide range of bright colour shades.
- Seed is best started undercover from 4-6 weeks before last frost in pots, thinning to individual plants when large enough (transplant the thinning’s).
- Cover seeds with 1 inch of soil.
- Soaking seeds overnight can aid germination, although not essential.
- Keep soil moderately moist during germination.
- Pinch the top of the growing shoot out when 2 inches high to encourage stronger side shoots.
- Transplant when young seedlings are about 2 inches high and after all danger of frost has passed.
- Space 6-12 inches apart.
- Provide netting or trellis for support when plant is 3-6 inches tall.
- Please note, especially around children – these seeds are poisonous if ingested.
WALLFLOWER ‘ENGLISH FAIR LADY’ MIX
Very popular spring bedding flower. A neat, uniform free flowering mix of bright colours including pastel and rusty tones. Flowers spring. Height 30-40cm.
- Sow from last frost until August at ¼ inch depth. Germination temperature 20°C (68°F).
- Germination should take place within 3 weeks.
- If sowing in trays, prick out into small pots / trays until time to transplant or sow thinly direct into a nursery bed and thin out when large enough to handle to encourage strong plants..
- Keep weed free and moist during hot periods. (Note Wallflowers are susceptible to Club root in acid soils)
- In autumn plants should be moved to their final flowering position for the following spring. Space plants approx. 12 inches apart and pinch out growing tips to encourage bushy growth.
- Plants should be removed at the end of spring once flowering has finished and replaced by annuals for succession of colour. The plant may survive to the following year if pruned back heavily, but will look unsightly at first.
