Perennials can be quite expensive to buy from a garden center, especially if you have a large space to fill. Growing your own perennials from seed is a good way to get many plants inexpensively and in colours/varieties not usually available. Seed catalogues have a very wide variety of perennial seeds, some of which you do not see in the stores.
Selecting Perennials to Grow
Seed catalogues are the best place to start when selecting perennials to grow from seed. They will have a wide variety available and some will include instructions on how to grow them. Some of the easiest to grow from seed are Perennial Dianthus (Pinks), Primroses, Campanula (Bell Flower). Balloon Flower (Platycodon), Achillea, Yarrow, and Echinacea.
These perennials will flower the first year from seed, barring extremely bad weather conditions. The seed catalogue will also recommend others; look for those that germinate fairly quickly (a week or two) and that state that they will flower the first season. If it doesn't say it, the perennials likely won't. One packet will give you enough for your garden as well as some to share.
What You Need (Besides the Seeds, of Course)
To be successful growing anything from seed you need a soiless medium. You can get this at a garden center. Just look for 'soil' labelled as seedling mix or putting mix. The label should include things like peat moss, vermiculite, perlite, compost, or fertilizer. There are many possible combinations, but none will say that they contain actual soil. This mix is intended to provide good drainage, retaining just enough water to get the seeds growing without rotting. The compost or fertilizer provides nutrients for the small plants.
You will also need containers to grow in. Many people use egg cartons since they have pre-made compartments for the seedlings. The issue with these is that they dry out quickly so don't use them unless you are sure you will monitor progress on a daily basis. The plastic inserts you get from the garden centre are more forgiving as they do not dry out as quickly. Be creative, used milk cartons also work well, just poke holes in the bottoms. You will also need a tray to place the pots in so you don't have water leaking everywhere.
You will also need a means of retaining humidity around the pots. You can buy clear plastic domes that fit planting trays at the nursery. You can also use clear plastic bags (bread bags work well) to put the containers in. Increased humidity will encourage growth.
Another money-saving option is to use pop bottles. Cut them to about 4 inches tall and poke holes in the bottom. You can save the upper six inches to use as a mini-greenhouse over each pop bottle. Leave the cap off to let excess moisture escape.
Planting the Perennial Seeds
Read the packet your seed came in. There are two things to look for;
1. Whether or not you should cover the seed with soil. Some seeds need light in order to germinate; others require darkness so are covered with soil.
2. Soil conditions – should you keep the soil moist at all times or let it dry out between waterings.
Plant the seeds according to the instructions. For those listed above, Echinacea, Pinks, Primrose and Balloon flower should be covered with soil while Campanula, Achillea and Yarrow should just be pressed into the soil. If the seed needs moisture place the pot into a bread bag leaving the end open. This increases the humidity and encourages growth. If your house suffers from the usual dryness in winter you may consider placing them all in bags. Just watch carefully for mold. If you see some starting to grow, lift one corner of the tray cover or fold the plastic bag back.
The temperature of your house is also key to success. If your house is on the cool side consider getting a heat mat or place your trays on top of your refrigerator.
Watch the pots to ensure they do not dry out too much, watering as recommended. For the perennials listed here, keeping the soil moist, but not wet, works best.
When you see tiny leaves appear, remove the cover or plastic bag. Depending upon the plant you are growing this could take a week or a month. Seeds are living things and can be just as variable as any other living thing!!
Once the plants have their second set of leaves (the first true leaves) pot them into individual 3 inch pots. Again, cut down milk cartons or pop bottle work just as well. Make sure they get enough water and sunlight. A window ledge or a grow light will do the trick. Fertilize lightly every 3 to 4 weeks.
Plant your new babies into the garden in the spring after your last frost date. Make sure you put a bit of compost in the soil when you plant and water well.
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