Growing from Seed

Most people are familiar with how to grow annuals from seed, but many avoid growing perennials from seed. Others, who have tried to grow perennials from seed, fail because the subtle differences between annuals and perennials are not known.

Initially, you need to decide if growing your perennials from seed is practical. One package of seed will contain anywhere from ten to several hundred seeds. The average cost of the packet is generally under five dollars. Depending on the size of perennial that you purchase, you will frequently only save a few dollars between buying the perennial plant and buying the seed. So it is important to know how many plants you need. If you only need one or two plants, then buying the plant is usually worth it. However, if you need ten or more, then growing the perennial from seed might be worth it.

Aim to start the seed twelve to fourteen weeks before your last frost date. This will be in January or February in the north, when they need to be started indoors. In the south, where the soil is already warming up you will be able to start the seed directly outdoors in March or April. Many perennials can also be started in the warm, late summer soils. This is particularly true for the perennials that require a few weeks of freezing before they can germinate.

For starting indoors, sow the seeds in a small pot and cover lightly with potting mix. Cover the pot with cling wrap to keep it moist. Place the pot in a warm place to germinate. Be patient. Perennials can take three to six weeks, sometimes longer, to germinate. Wait until most of the seeds are growing, then move the pot to a cooler location. Do not expect all the seeds to germinate. Viability in perennials is frequently lower than with annuals, so you may find that only fifty percent of the seeds sown actually germinate. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, around four to six inches high, they can be slowly hardened off outside assuming that the weather is now mild and well above freezing. Bring the seedlings in if there is a danger of a late frost. Plant the perennials in their permanent position when the weather is warm and all danger of frost is past. Do not expect the perennials to bloom the first year. Frequently they spend this year growing roots and gaining strength. Some perennials take two or even three years before they will bloom, but the majority will bloom in the second year. Once established the perennials that you grew from seed will thrive as well as the store purchased ones.

©Text and photograph by Kate Copsey, Feb, 2006. Reproduction without permission prohibited.