(Question)
Hello, I want to know if I can start perennial flower plants from seed now? I am fine with not getting flower this year, but if I can get a plant that gets established through the year to next spring, i will be happy.
(Answer)
Late winter, if you have grow lights, or early spring, if you have a bright sunny window are the ideal times to start seeds indoors. That being said, depending on the perennial seeds you want to start, I’d say ‘go for it’, but I do have a few pointers, see below:
- Follow the instructions on the seed package.
- If the seeds need stratification or scarification, follow the instructions and depending on length of time needed, it may be too late to proceed now – wait until next year and get started earlier.
- Use a soilless mix for planting / seed starting.
- Water as recommended.
- Cover if necessary, following package instructions.
- Once germination has taken place and seedlings have sprouted, uncover and move to a sunnier location.
- When one set of real leaves have grown, you can begin the hardening off process by moving plants outside for periods of time.
- Transplant into a bigger pot and put outside full time in the ideal growing conditions for the species.
- Remember to keep it watered.
- Once it has grown to a reasonable size, clear a location for it in the garden, removing weeds.
- Transplant and label so that you will know what it is next spring.
- Water until freeze up in the fall.
Hope this helps.