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When to plant perennial wildflower seeds


Sowing Perennial Wildflower Seeds For Success

It sounds simple enough; open a packet, bag, or canister of wildflower seeds, sprinkle them out onto the ground, and “presto!” you have a giant patch of wildflowers blooming in a few short weeks.  Not so fast.

When To Plant Wildflowers

First, you need to consider the optimal planting timetable for your wildflower seeds. Sowing at the right time will allow the seeds the best seasonal climate conditions to germinate well. In most zones, wildflower seed sowing season is in the fall, from mid-September to late November is best.  This may seem counter-intuitive because after all most of us plant our potted perennials in spring to grow and flower for us in the summer. However, most perennial wildflower mixes contain varieties and species that require a cold stratification period in order to germinate. Essentially, they need a hard winter to break their natural dormancy to begin germination.

To Sow Or Not To Sow, Wildflowers In Spring

Annual & Perennial Wildflower Mixes

If sowing is done in early spring, know that some species in the mix will not germinate until the following spring and there is a risk that average seasonal moisture will be less than adequate and hot, dry summer conditions will require hours of supplemental waterings. However, if your seed mix contains a good percentage of annual species, spring planting may actually work better.

Perennial Wildflowers

Generally speaking, most perennial wildflower species are considered drought tolerant, but only after they have become well established, which is typically by their second season. It is good to understand, most spring and summer seasons will not provide enough rainfall events to make perennial wildflowers thrive. Supplemental irrigation is an important preparation factor that must be considered before seeding happens.

Why Are My Wildflowers Not Blooming?

After seasonal timing considerations, there are many other factors that can cause poor germination results for perennial wildflower seed. Before your rake or shovel ever hits the soil, here is what to pay close attention to…

Improper Site Selection 

Poor Soil Drainage 

Improper Site Preparation & Cultivation 

Covering Seeds Too Deeply

Not Following Recommended Seeding Rates 

Control Competitive Weedy Grasses In Your Wildflower Patch

Even if your site preparations are perfect, there will be encroaching weedy grasses that will move in to try to take over your wildflower planting. The ideal conditions you have created for your wildflowers will also appeal greatly to weedy grasses and other broadleaf weeds.

Weedy grasses are fast and typically the first to grow up in the spring, so spraying a grass-specific herbicide that will not harm broadleaf plants is the most appropriate and easiest way to fight weedy grasses like annual rye, quackgrass, and crabgrass. Look for Grass Beater® by Bonide®. Follow all label mixing and application instructions for whatever product you choose.

What About Broadleaf Weed Control In Wildflower Meadow? 

Read the notes above, under the Improper Site Preparation & Cultivation, section. When it comes to weeds; avoidance is your best defense. Spraying nonselective herbicides is not an option, so hands & knees cultivation and plucking are your primary and best control methods against broadleaf weeds.

Maximize Your Wildflower Magic

Creating a wildflower meadow or patch is not an illusion at all it is a carefully planned and executed garden just like any other.  You do not have to be Houdini or David Copperfield to end up with a beautiful wildflower garden.  Follow these simple guidelines of when to plant, where to plant, and how to plant to maximize your perennial wildflower magic!

We are not experiencing any shipping delays. Fall plants and bulbs will ship according to our Fall Shipping Schedule. Seeds will ship immediately.

About the Author: Dan Goodspeed’s horticultural knowledge covers unique ornamental native, and a wide range of edible plants used all over the U. S. and beyond.  He has occupied the role of consultant, and lecturer to countless public botanic gardens and arboretums throughout the west and the southwestern U.S.  Along with his wife, Lori, they have practical, hands-on experience gardening and maintaining gardens grand and small across the country.  From a 4500 acre private historic estate in Virginia to a 100-acre private modern property in Up-State New York, to a quaint historic property in the Quinault Rain Forest on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, and they also managed a 200-acre ranch in the Hill Country of Central Texas outside of Austin. All of this gardening time, experience, and travel have brought him full circle, back to the upper Midwest where he grew up to work as a horticultural consultant for J.W. Jung Seed Company and its affiliates.

for a colorful natural display |

(Image credit: Clive Nichols)

It’s essential to know when to plant wildflower seeds if you want to bring their informal charm and natural grace to your yard.  

Their unfussy habit and gorgeous colors, paired with incredible flower power, make wildflower garden ideas irresistible. And their biggest draw is their ability to attract and provide for pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, which are a joy to share the yard with in summer.  

Whether you want to use wildflowers to create a mini meadow or as part of your flower bed ideas, our guide has all you need to know on the peak times to sow and plant for the best results. 

When to plant wildflower seeds

Thanks to the contemporary love of natural garden design and the zeal to be more wildlife-friendly and eco-minded, wildflowers are increasingly being grown in backyards. Many gardeners like to enjoy them as a ‘mini meadow’, which is easy and inexpensive to grow and provides colorful bloom for months.

‘The trend of wildflower meadows has hit our industry in a big, beautiful way,’ says Pennsylvania-based landscape designer Nathan Tuno of Roots Landscape Inc . ‘Our clients are more and more adding meadows to unused lawn areas, and they act as bird, bee, and butterfly sanctuaries. ’ 

As to when to plant wildflower seeds, in general, spring and fall are the best times to direct sow and plant annual and perennial wildflowers. However, biennials (such as foxgloves) can be sown or planted in summer, and often so-called ‘wildflowers’ are not native, which means they may need to be sown under cover or sown at different times. If you prefer to make wildflower seed bombs, fall is best.

When to plant annual wildflowers

There are thousands of wildflowers and each has its own growing advice, so check with your supplier or read the seed packet. However, a general rule of thumb is that most hardy annual wildflowers that are native to your area can be sown direct in spring, and many can be sown direct in the fall. 

When to plant perennial wildflowers

For the majority of perennial wildflowers that are native to your area, a spring sowing is best in cool regions and a fall sowing is ideal in hotter areas. However, there is a huge range of species available, so check with your supplier or read the back of the seed packet to discover any specific instructions on sowing or planting times. 

When to plant an annual wildflower mini meadow

Many seed companies sell native and non-native ‘wildflower’ mixes that are composed of easy-to-grow seeds and a great mix of colors. For instance, Wildseed Farms in the US and Pictorial Meadows in the UK. If you want to create the unique look of your local area, make sure you choose a native mix. 

‘Mini meadows can be a nice way to make wildlife habitat,’ says Ohio-based garden designer Ethan McGory . ‘Because there can be a sense of wildness to mini meadows, think about having a crisp, clear edge of paving or mown lawn, and sowing them in a simple shape like a large rectangle or circle.’ 

When to plant a perennial wildflower mini meadow

A spring or fall sowing is recommended everywhere, but the climate you live in will dictate which is the best season. If you’re in a cool, temperate region (such as the northern US or most of the UK), a spring sowing is better. But in warmer areas (including zones 7 to 11 in the US), a fall sowing is preferable, as the temperature allows the plants to establish a good root system at that time of year. 

‘Start small,’ advises Nathan Tuno. ‘Pick an area on your property that does not see a lot of traffic, perhaps designate it as a “no-mow” area and start adding plant material like echinacea and bee balm. Also look up what the native pollinator flowers are in your area. In the northeast of the US, flowers like asters and Joe Pye are all the rage when it comes to going native.’

When to plant your favorite wildflowers

If you want to grow wildflowers, find out which plants are native to your area or non-invasive in your area. 

Here is a selection of some good-looking wildflowers you might want to try growing in your backyard.

When to plant echinacea

(Image credit: Clive Nichols)

Native to: eastern North America

The purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is a good-looking perennial for the middle or back of the border and creates a wonderful prairie mood. Sow it under cover (for example, in a greenhouse) in late winter, spring, late summer, or fall. 

‘My favorite native wildflower is echinacea,’ says Shannie McCabe, horticulturist for Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds . ‘It hosts a range of pollinators, it has a rich history of Native medicinal uses, and, of course, it’s a really beautiful plant. The wild E. purpurea that we see growing on roadsides is lovely, but those looking for a more domesticated spin on this favorite native wildflower can try ‘Green Twister’, which is equally easy to grow.’ 

When to plant Joe Pye weed

Native to: the US and Canada

Formerly known as Eupatorium and now classed as Eutrochium, the tall perennials known as Joe Pye weed have an informal charm and attract lots of butterflies when their dusky pink or ivory flowers bloom in late summer and early fall. Sow them under cover in spring (for example, in a cold frame) or sow direct outside in early summer.  

For British gardeners, hemp agrimony (E. cannabinum) is native to Europe and closely related. 

When to plant sea kale

Native to: Europe

Fabulous in a gravel garden, sea kale (Crambe maritima) has superb wavy blue-green foliage that is topped with sprays of tiny white flowers in early summer. Purchase this tough perennial from a specialist seed supplier and sow as soon as possible upon receiving it, at any time of year, under cover – for example, in a greenhouse. 

‘Our Crambe seeds are dispatched from cold storage and should be sown immediately upon receipt,’ says Nina Marshall at Chiltern Seeds , ‘and therefore they can be started at any time of year. They germinate irregularly over a long period of time and are best sown with a given temperature of 64°F (18°C) for eight weeks. If germination does not occur in this time, then cold stratify for eight weeks. This can be achieved by either using the natural winter cold or by placing the tray in the fridge. ’ 

When to plant milkweed

Native to: North and South America

Butterflies love milkweeds, such as Asclepias syriaca, which is native to southern Canada and the eastern US. 

‘Milkweed blooms later in the summer, just in time for the Monarch butterfly migration,’ says Catherine Kaczor, Sales Manager at Hudson Valley Seed Co . ‘Its flowers and leaves provide food, shelter, and protection for the Monarchs. Urbanization has dramatically decreased the habitat in which milkweed thrives, so any attempt to simulate that environment in our yards or gardens helps the Monarch population.’ 

Sow direct into soil outside in fall or early winter; alternatively, sow in spring, placing containers in a fridge initially, before moving them to a greenhouse or sunny windowsill. 

‘Milkweed, because it is native to the Northeast, needs to be “cold-stratified”,’ says Catherine. ‘This means that the seeds must be subjected to cold and moist conditions in order to grow. This is very easy for us in the Northeast. All you have to do is sow in late fall and let the winter weather take care of the rest.’  

When to plant bluebells

(Image credit: Future)

Native to: Western Europe

The beautiful Hyacinthoides non-scripta is the bluebell that carpets British woodland with scented bells in late spring and early summer. Bulbs are the more usual way of growing bluebells, but they can be grown from seed in fall or winter, which saves money if you have a large area to naturalize. 

‘Although these seeds can be sown year round, they are best sown in the fall or winter as a period of six to eight weeks of cold weather is needed for the seeds to germinate,’ says Nina Marshall. ‘Results show the following spring from sowing. Grow on undisturbed for two years. They require little attention so sow and forget!’ Sowing in a cold frame is ideal to keep mice away. 

When to plant bee balm

Native to: North America

Monarda (commonly known as bee balm or bergamot) produces pink or red punk-hair flowers, which provide for pollinators in summer. There are several species in the US, including widely grown aromatic M. fistulosa and lemon-scented M. citriodora, as well as the more unusual exotic-looking M. punctata. 

Sow M. fistulosa under cover in spring or sow direct outside in late summer or early fall; sow M. citriodora under cover in spring or sow direct outside from mid-spring to late summer; and sow M. punctata under cover in March or April or sow outside in fall. 

When to plant chicory

Native to: Europe

Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is a tall perennial that is sometimes grown for salad leaves or as a coffee substitute, but is more commonly cultivated as an ornamental. Native to Europe and naturalized in North America, it produces gorgeous sky-blue daisy flowers in summer. 

It can be sown direct in spring, but is best sown direct in late summer or early fall for flowers the following year. If you want flowers this year, buy young plants (usually sold in the herb section of nurseries) instead. In the right conditions, chicory will self-sow. 

When to plant foxgloves

(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)

Native to: Europe

The biennial foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) sends up spires of pink hooded flowers, which bumblebees visit for nectar. The white form (Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora) is very elegant and easy to grow from seed. 

As for planting foxgloves, they can be sown under cover in early spring or sown under cover or direct in late spring or early summer. If you have foxgloves growing already, collect the seed in summer once the flower spikes are spent and either sow it under cover or direct where you want them to grow. 

Foxgloves are biennial. ’The plants focus on their green growth in the first year and will then reward you with flowers the following spring and summer,’ says Nina Marshall. Therefore, to ensure flowers every year, do a sowing next year as well. Since foxgloves self-sow, once you have enough in the garden, you won’t need to sow any. 

When to plant aster

Native to: North America

Symphyotrichum are asters native to the US that brighten the garden in late summer and fall. These hardy perennials produce daisy flowers that have an informal charm and attract a range of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. 

They are great for prairie-style borders or perennial wildflower meadows. There are several forms to choose from, including S. oblongifolium (aromatic aster), S. laeve (smooth aster), and S. novae-angliae (New England aster). Sow them under cover in early spring or sow direct outside in late spring after risk of frost has passed. 

What is a wildflower?

A wildflower is a plant that is native to your region. What is and isn’t native may be surprising. For instance, in the UK, many people think of cornflowers as wildflowers, but in fact they are native to Greece and Italy. This is why many suppliers label so-called ‘wildflowers’ as native or non-native. 

Why grow wildflowers?

Wildflowers offer the unique quality of being native to the area in which you live. This means they are often the best plants to grow to achieve a beautiful natural look. They’re also certain to be hardy and to benefit the local wildlife, and you can relax knowing they won’t escape the backyard and become invasive monsters (as so many non-native plants have done in the US). 

Are non-native wildflowers invasive?

Not necessarily. If you are – rightly – wary of planting something that may be invasive, check with your supplier or on the seed packet. Choose species labeled as ‘non-invasive’. This means they won’t wreak havoc in your local countryside. For more information, seek out the national resources on invasive and non-invasive plants in your country, such as the US Forest Service .  

Rachel is senior content editor, and writes and commissions gardening content for homesandgardens.com, Homes & Gardens magazine, and its sister titles Period Living Magazine and Country Homes & Interiors. She has written for lifestyle magazines for many years, with a particular focus on gardening, historic houses and arts and crafts, but started out her journalism career in BBC radio, where she enjoyed reporting on and writing programme scripts for all manner of stories. Rachel then moved into regional lifestyle magazines, where the topics she wrote about, and people she interviewed, were as varied and eclectic as they were on radio. Always harboring a passion for homes and gardens, she jumped at the opportunity to work on The English Home and The English Garden magazines for a number of years, before joining the Period Living team, then the wider Homes & Gardens team, specializing in gardens.

Perennials from seeds. Sowing time for perennial flower crops… Planting, caring for and propagating plants

The seed method of propagating perennials is more laborious, but it makes it possible to obtain a large amount of planting material and new varieties that you like. When and what flower seeds to sow, we will tell you.

Perennial flower crops are sown in spring, early summer (seedling or non-seedling method) or towards winter. It depends on the type of plant. We recommend sowing seeds of flower crops before winter, which quickly lose their germination capacity. These are hellebore, adonis, delphinium, sleep-grass, aconite, sanguinaria, corydalis, hoof, liverwort. As well as cold-resistant seeds and seeds that need stratification. These are aquilegia, undersized bells, levisia, saxifrage, lychnis, chamomile, rudbeckia, yarrow, echinacea, lavender, gentian, primrose. The optimal time for winter sowing is the end of October - the beginning of October, when stable autumn colds set in. In regions with warm autumns, choose a time when the topsoil is already freezing and there is no snow cover yet. nine0003

Methods and time of sowing perennial flowers:

Aquilegia - sow seeds for seedlings in March-April, or directly into open ground in autumn. When the sprouts form 5-6 true leaves, plant them in a permanent place. Keep a distance of 25-30 cm between plants. Plants prefer to grow in moderately moist, semi-shady areas. Water aquilegia sparingly, fertilize and weed regularly. Ideal for planting in discounts, mixborders, near the shores of reservoirs. nine0003

Allisum - Sow seeds in spring, in open ground. Planting pattern 10x15 cm. Prefers to grow on fertile, light, well-drained soils. The place must be sunny. The plant is drought-resistant, winter-hardy, photophilous. Ideal for decorating flower borders, for planting in rocky gardens and alpine slides. An excellent ground cover plant.

Arabis - sow seeds for seedlings in late March - early April. As soon as two true leaves appear, seedlings dive. At the end of May, after the threat of return frosts, plant the seedlings in the garden in a permanent place. The distance between plants is 40 cm. Seeds can be sown in open ground in the second half of May - June, or before winter (in October-November). It prefers to grow in sunny areas, but can tolerate partial shade. Does not tolerate wet, waterlogged soils. Flowering occurs in the second year after planting. Arabis blooms in May-June. An ideal plant for dry areas in the garden. Suitable for creating flower borders, for planting on alpine slides and in rockeries. nine0003

Armeria - sow seeds outdoors in early spring or autumn. If sown early, the plants will bloom this year. But mostly flowering is observed in the second year of planting, in May. Prefers to grow in sunny areas. It has high drought tolerance. Shelter for the winter does not need. Ideal for creating flower borders, for planting in ridges and rockeries. This is a true decoration of the Alpine slides.

Tuberose - seeds can be sown for seedlings in March or late May - early June directly into open ground. The plant blooms from the second half of summer until frost. It prefers to grow in open sunny areas, but it also tolerates partial shade. The soil should be slightly acidic and fertile. The plant will be a great addition to compositions created in dark green and red colors.

Badan - seeds should be sown in the winter. Sow seeds in open ground in early November. Such winter stratification of seeds contributes to a more friendly emergence of seedlings. In the first year after sowing, the plants develop rather slowly, forming a rosette with 4-5 leaves. Young senets in the first year of growth should be shaded, watered and weeds should be regularly removed from the garden, which prevent the growth of young seedlings. At the beginning of September or in the spring of next year, dive the seedlings. In the first year, for the winter, young plants should be mulched with dry humus or peat, with a layer of 5-8 cm. Plants grown from seeds will bloom only 3-4 years after sowing. nine0003

Geichera - seed propagation makes it possible to obtain a large amount of planting material. You can collect seeds from the bushes you like or purchase at the store. Just keep in mind the seeds, they remain viable for only a year and a half. Sow seeds for seedlings in March - April. Seedling boxes should have drainage holes. The soil mixture is loose, containing coarse sand. Geyher seeds are very small, so they can be mixed with sand. Sow superficially, do not cover with soil. Moisten the crops with a spray bottle, cover with film or glass and place the boxes on a bright windowsill. Seeds need light to germinate. After two to three weeks, the first shoots will appear. Then start the gradual airing of the seedlings. When all the seeds sprout, remove the shelter. Start diving when the third true leaf is formed. Seedlings are very sensitive to both waterlogging and drought. Try to keep the soil slightly moist. At the end of May and beginning of June, plant geyher seedlings from the garden. nine0003

Delphinium - seeds quickly lose their germination capacity, so only fresh seeds should be sown (up to a year after harvest). In the fall, collect the seeds and store them in the refrigerator until March. Since delphinium seeds need stratification. Start planting in March. Pour earth mixture (humus, black soil, sand 1:1:1) into seedling boxes or pots and lightly tamp. Make shallow rows (half a centimeter) at a distance of 5 - 7 cm from each other. Distribute the seeds in rows, cover them with earth and carefully moisten the soil with a sprayer. Seedlings will sprout in 2-3 weeks. After a month, thin out the young plants, leaving 5-7 cm between them. Strong and hardened seedlings in May, plant in open ground. nine0003

Knifofia - in March, sow the seeds in seedling boxes in a nutrient soil mixture. Lightly sprinkle the crops with earth, moisten and cover with glass or film. Keep the soil slightly moist at all times. Air the crops daily. The first shoots will appear in 2-3 weeks. When the seedlings are friendly, remove the shelter and rearrange the seedling boxes on the lightest window sill (do this gradually so that the tiny sprouts get used to the light). As soon as the seedlings form three true leaves, proceed to dive. Plant seedlings of bookworms in the garden for a permanent place no earlier than July. The distance between plantings is 40x40 cm. Do not forget, for the winter, to cover the plantings well. Plants grown from seeds will bloom in the second or third year (with careful care). nine0003

Lavender - Lavender seeds need to be stratified. Sow the seeds in boxes with sandy soil, moisten and place for a month and a half in a room with a temperature of + 5 ° C. During this time, such stratified seeds should sprout. After the emergence of seedlings, bring the box to a warm and bright room. Tender sprouts can be planted in open ground no earlier than May.

Poppy - sow seeds in open ground in May, in a permanent place (since poppies do not tolerate transplantation well). Poppy seeds are very small. Sow them superficially in well-fluffed soil, press lightly into the soil, water and cover with foil. Until seeds germinate, keep the soil moist. As soon as the seedlings grow a little, thin them out, leaving 15 cm between plants. Such plants will bloom in the second year. nine0003

Monarda - in the month of March, sow seeds for seedlings in seedling boxes. To do this, use a light soil mixture consisting of garden or leaf soil, humus and sand. Spread the seeds evenly over the surface of the soil and only lightly sprinkle with earth. Moisten the crops well using a spray bottle. Cover the boxes with film or glass to create a greenhouse effect and place in a warm place with a temperature of 18-22°C. Air plantings daily and moisten as needed. After two or three weeks, the seeds will sprout. When the plants form two or three true leaves, pick them out, or plant them in separate cups. In the garden, young plants can be planted in late May - early June, when the threat of return frosts has passed. Seeds can be sown directly in open ground. You can start sowing seeds in the beds in June-July. nine0003

Hellebore - freshly harvested seeds (seeds ripen in late June) should be sown immediately after harvest. Dried seeds practically do not give seedlings. Sow them directly in open ground. Sowing depth - 1 cm. Seeds germinate for a long time, some will germinate in a year, others in two. If you purchased a bag of hellebore seeds, you can sow them in open ground no later than 2-3 months before the onset of frost. Or sow seedlings in the room. Sow them in seedling pots, and keep them in a room at a temperature of 18-20 ° C for three months, then move the pots to the basement or to the lower shelf of the refrigerator (the optimum temperature is + 4 ° C. Keep the soil slightly moist all this time When the seedlings grow a little, plant them in more fertile soil.0003

Primroses - primrose seeds can be sown all year round, but it is better to sow them in November-December, in seedlings. In order for the seeds to germinate, keep the crops at a temperature of 16-20 ° C and high humidity. The first shoots appear on the 10th day. As all the seeds sprout, gradually reduce the room temperature and humidity. When two true leaves appear, seedlings dive. And when the plants grow a little, plant them separately in pots. Primroses grown from seeds will bloom the next year (some even earlier). nine0003

Sage (salvia) — seeds can be sown in open ground before winter (in October, early November in grooves 1.5 cm deep), or for seedlings in early spring. In February - March, sow the seeds in seedling boxes with light nutrient soil. Moisten the crops and cover with glass. At room temperature, the seeds will germinate after 2 to 3 weeks. When the seedlings get stronger and 2-3 true leaves grow, dive. Dive into separate cups, so the plant will more easily transfer the transplant to the garden. nine0003

Lupine - sow seeds in spring, for seedlings in a soil mixture of: soddy soil, sand and peat (1:1:0.5). Sow the seeds in seedling boxes or pots (be careful, the seeds are poisonous). Water, but do not over-moisten the soil. Cover the crops with film or glass, and place in a warm place. The first sprouts will appear in a week and a half. A month later, when the seedlings get stronger, and minutes of frost, young lupins can be planted in the garden.

Published: 03/21/2015

Tags: aquilegia allisum arabis armeria bergenia geichera delphinium knifofia lavender lupine poppy Holland perennials monarda hellebore primrose salvia tuberosa sage

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How to grow perennials from seeds

Seeds of Podophylla Emoda

It is profitable to grow perennials from seeds in central Russia. You will have to tinker, but you get a lot of plants that are already accustomed to your climate. nine0003

All ornamental plants propagated by seed can be divided into:

Seeds of cold-resistant perennials that do not need stratification are sown in May. These are delphinium, carnation, sunflower, geranium, poppy, platycodon and others. Primroses, foxgloves, perennial lobelias and bluebells are best sown in early summer.

Seeds of podophyllum, hellebore, perennial spurges, levisia that need stratification are sown in open ground in October-March, small seeds of tender plants for seedlings (geuchera, astilba, bergenia) - in closed ground from January to the end of April. Before sowing, find out if the seeds need light to germinate. nine0003

Perennials from seeds that require light for germination

Seeds of primrose Florinda

Seeds of bluebells, primroses, St. John's wort, juveniles and many other plants do not germinate without light. The easiest way to create conditions for the germination of such seeds is when growing seedlings in boxes.

Level the pre-moistened substrate, lightly tamp and sow the seeds on the surface without covering. For better contact with the soil, spray the seeds with a spray bottle, then cover the box with glass. Instead of glass, you can use plastic wrap, but this is a little worse. To germinate, place the boxes in diffused light or under a fluorescent lamp. nine0003

Sow cold-loving flowers that need light to germinate in a box outside. Seeds are sown in the same way as in the previous case. Only crops are taken out into the street and placed in the shade under a tree. If the plants in the box develop well and quickly, you can dive them into the garden in the middle of summer (St. John's wort, bluebells, primroses).

Slow-growing plants (saxifrage, juvenile) can be left for the winter in a box and planted next year. Seed producers do not always indicate whether seeds need light for germination. Often, but not always, light regulates seed germination. In order not to make a mistake, you can plant seeds to a depth of 1-3 mm. When watering, some of the seeds will be in the light, and the other will be buried in the substrate. nine0003

They do it differently: they divide the seeds into two portions, one of them is sown to a depth of 5 mm, and the other is sown on the surface in the same bowl. Thus, half of the seeds, or even all, will be in the right conditions.

Seed stratification

Many alpine plants and hardy perennials do not germinate from seed in autumn because they know that winter will follow and the seedlings will die. The germs of the seed must feel the winter, i.e. feel the effect of low temperatures, and only after that ascend. Severe frost is useless - a temperature of 0 ... + 5 ºC is enough. nine0003

Winter sowing

Seed sprouts

Sow seeds in a box in the fall and leave it outside for the winter. Seeds will undergo natural stratification and sprout together in the spring. This method has proven itself well on the seeds of arnoils, levisia, hazel grouses, lilies, cornflowers, etc.

If the seeds do not sprout in the spring, all is not lost. Many plants need double stratification. So, aroinik, peony, crow, podophyllum, trillium germinate only in the second year. After the first stratification, they develop a root system, and the kidney wakes up the next year. nine0003

Sowing between frames

The sowing container can be placed on a window between two panes in mid-January. Make sure the temperature does not drop below -5ºC. This temperature regime allows you to stratify the seeds better than in the refrigerator. The disadvantages of the method are modern double-glazed windows, where the bowl with seeds cannot be squeezed in any way, and possible shutdowns of heating when the temperature between the frames can drop below a critical level.

March sowing

To sow seeds in March, you need to stock up on boxes of earth in the fall. In early March, sow the seeds in boxes. Crops should stand warm at a temperature of + 10 ... + 15ºC for about a week. Then take the crops into the garden, put them on the ground and cover them with snow. Often the results of sowing are highly dependent on the storage conditions of the seeds. So, peonies and trilliums sprout better if their seeds are stored during the winter in a slightly damp substrate in the refrigerator or in a basement with low positive temperatures, and only then sown in the garden. nine0003 Seeds of spring anemone (anemone)

White flowers, corydalis, swimmers, lungwort and forest anemone are best propagated by self-sowing.

Care of seedlings

The main enemies of sprouts are excessive dryness of the air, excessive dampness and a sharp change in lighting. With excessive dryness, they fight with watering. If it is difficult to water tender shoots, you can cover the crop with polyethylene. The film will not allow water to evaporate quickly. But under the film a strong greenhouse effect is created and, in order to avoid this, the seedlings are temporarily shaded. Excessive humidity contributes to the development of diseases, especially the black leg. You can protect yourself from it if you steam the soil in which the seedlings will grow. nine0003

Place the planting mixture in a metal bucket, add 1 liter of water, put on fire, cover with a lid. Remove after 30-40 minutes. The disadvantage of steaming is the violation of the natural microbial balance of the mixture. You can restore the microflora by adding clean, unsteamed peat. It is even better if the steamed mixture lies down for several months, so to speak, it will come to its senses.

Soil disinfection with potassium permanganate

Another way to disinfect the soil is to fill it with a thick, hot solution of potassium permanganate. Discard the solution the next day. Regular watering of seedlings with a slightly pink solution of potassium permanganate is very useful - this is both top dressing and disease prevention. nine0003

When growing seedlings at home, the problem is the lack of sunlight. Do not thicken the crops and thin them out in a timely manner. It is good if it is possible to create additional lighting with the help of phytolamps or fluorescent lamps. Airing the room reduces the air temperature (especially at night), which contributes to the hardening of plants. As a result, seedlings are stronger.

Epin is one of the chemical preparations that increase the vitality of plants.

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