Growing Perennial Flowers from Seeds

Starting from plants is much easier but some perennials can be successfully grown from seed. Make sure you use fresh seed from a reputable garden supply.

If you plant seeds, some off-types of color, flower form, and plant habit can be expected. Perennials seeded in the garden frequently fail to germinate properly because the surface of the soil crusts and prevents entry of water.

To avoid this, sow the seed in vermiculite-filled furrows. While you can sow perennial seeds directly in beds where they are to flower it is usually best to start plants indoors or in a cold frame and set them outdoors after the weather warms.

Many perennial seeds require a moist chilling period before they are mature enough to germinate. Sowing seeds in the Fall accomplishes this naturally. You can induce this cooling period by placing seeds in a small plastic container with some moist vermiculite and placing it in the refrigerator for 10 to 12 weeks.

Sow your pre-chilled seed in furrows of the recommended depth and cover with a fine layer of topsoil or vermiculite. Be sure your seeds do not dry out, keep them noist but not soaked as they will rot.

An alternative to spring seeding is to sow seeds in flats or seedling beds during the summer for fall transplanting. Perennials started in spring frequently will not flower their first year.