Starting annuals from seeds?
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I haven't propagated annuals from seed before but am thinking about doing it next year. If you start your annuals from seeds, which do you find easiest to grow? Do you collect seeds in the fall from the plants you have or buy seeds in the spring?
10 answers
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Do both. Choose what flowers are your favorites and then source out the seeds. Take note however that most of the fancy hybrid plants in your garden will not come true from seed.
Sensible Gardening and Living
on Sep 17, 2013
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There are some good tips on growing flowers from seeds here: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state/newsdetail.cfm?NewsID=5489
Douglas Hunt
on Sep 18, 2013
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Thanks so much for the tips. I'll keep collecting seeds and give it a shot.
Lorah Marquardt
on Sep 18, 2013
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Many flowers left to grow in the same area may start to naturally reseed themselves. Growing up we had the same sweet peas planted when the house was bought and they reseed themselves for the next 45 years, I have seen the same morning glories reseed themselves on the same chain link fence each spring.It is always a good idea to mix seeds from the garden and store bought every few years to give the plants a boost the fertility for the next few years. i do this also to add different colors of a plant.
Irish53
on Sep 18, 2013
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Seeds from this years plants is best, problem with store bought seeds sometimes they are just old and don't take. Marigolds are great for your back yard because bugs hate them.
Bonnie Lewenza
on Sep 18, 2013
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I have the worst time growing from any kind of seeds! They either just never come up, or when they are about 1", the chipmunks or squirrels get them. (This is when I start them in the ground). So now I start in pots,move to larger pots, then at about 4" put them in the ground. Same problem. I spray with Plantskydd and other goodies. Wire surrounds will work....to a point. I planted 3 packets of sunflowers and had maybe 8 plants make it!!
Libby at An Eye For Detail
on Sep 19, 2013
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I have great success with Morning Glories and Cosmos. I live in Montreal where we have harsh winters so I collect the seeds and use them the next spring. Good luck.
Carolle
on Sep 19, 2013
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Hi Lorah....I collect seeds every year in the fall when all my plants have went to seed.....I have had great luck with Moon flower, Hibiscus, Morning glory, Columbine, 4-o'clocks, Zinnia's,... just about every kind....I have never tried to grow Impatiens from seed (I love these and grow them every year)....I'd like to try........I collect all my seeds one plant at a time, bag them, mark a pc. of paper with name, year harvested, put it in bag, seal bag, put in fridge....or you can put them anywhere cool......Good Luck !
Angie W
on Sep 19, 2013
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If you're doing it for the first time, definitely buy seeds from professional growers (the ones in packets) in the Spring. You can collect your own seeds in the fall and keep them over winter, and that's a fun hobby in itself.... but the packets will take all the guesswork out of it for you. Each packet will come with instructions about planting: including soil depth, exposure, spacing, and the exact time of year that's best to plant. Plus you can be relatively sure the seeds are extremely healthy, high quality, and sure to germinate. They'll definitely give you the best chance of success for your first time around. You can grow so many annuals from seeds, it's hard to narrow it down. I personally like growing calendula, it practically grows itself, and any type of marigold (calendula is a relative of the 'poofier' kind of marigold you see in gardens) grows easily and quickly from seed. Daisies are also an easy choice and come in a squillion varieties. Oh, and sunflowers! They're so easy, I get a crop of them every year unintentionally under the bird feeder that plant themselves.
Coco Tree Service Corp
on Sep 20, 2013
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Marigolds are the easiest and when they bloom, pick off the dead ones and plant them, too. Morning glories are great, also cosmos, sweet Williams, portulaca and definitely buy the packets. It will tell on the backs the year to plant. I have never gotten any bad seeds. Caladiums are one of my favorites and easy to grow. You can also buy packets for humming bird flowers. There are lots to choose from, usually after December. Zinnias are super easy, too. They and Marigolds have 2 sizes, short and tall. Good luck. I love flowers.
Frances
on Sep 22, 2013
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