How to Grow Herbaceous Perennials from Seed
Create Large Prairie Style Beds, Save Money and Have More Fun
Nov 1, 2009
So why don't more people grow their own perennials from seed? Many believe perennials are difficult to raise from seed. It is thought that perennials take years to flower if grown from seed. The truth is very different. Using the following techniques many kinds of herbaceous perennials will flower in their first season from seed sown in February. By choosing perennials which flower from July onwards it is possible to create large prairie style beds with late summer/autumn interest at a fraction of the cost of purchasing plants.
Some Perennials Which will Flower in the First Year From a February Sowing
- Achillea millefolium 'Pastel Shades' (Yarrow) contains a beautiful mixture of pastel shades including cream, lemon,lilac,pink,salmon and red. The flattish flower heads are held above ferny foliage from July to September.
- Helenium autumnale (Sneezeweed) flowers from August to late September. The yellow, brown or bronze petals dropping down from prominent central discs.
- Monarda didyma (Bee balm) has bright red, hooded flowers arranged in 2-3 whorls near the top of 1m tall stems in August.
- Echinaceae purpurea (Purple coneflower) has stiffly upright hairy stems and leaves crowned with large daisy-like petals radiating from large central cones.
- Rudbeckia fulgida (Cone flower) provides vibrant late season colour from its bright yellow petals and dark central cone.
- To complete the prairie look, two grasses, Stipa arundinacea (Pheasant's tail grass) and Deschampsia caespitosa (Tufted hair grass) will link the flowering plants whilst at the same time adding movement and sound as they rustle in the wind.
What to Use and How to Sow Seeds of Perennials.
When preparing to sow seeds of perennials it is vital to select clean (either sterilized or new) seed trays or plastic modular trays. Fill the trays or modules with seed compost and then firm the compost lightly before watering with a watering can fitted with a fine rose. Allow any excess water to drain away.
Sow the seeds thinly and evenly. Then cover the seeds with sieved compost or fine vermiculite to the same depth as the size of the seed. Never cover very fine seed, simply leave it on the surface of the compost.
Where to Germinate Seeds of PerennialsPlace the trays in an electric propagator or on a heated bench in the greenhouse which is set at 20degrees centigrade. If not using a covered propagator cover each tray with a sheet of glass and a piece of paper over the glass. Wipe the condensation from the glass every day and check for signs of germination.
How to Treat the Seedlings When They Have Germinated.Remove the lid from the propagator, or the glass and paper as soon as the seedlings emerge, otherwise the seedlings will become leggy and weak. Keep the seedlings moist at all times.
Prick the seedlings off (transplant individually) when the first true leaves (these come after the tiny seed leaves) have formed into 9cm pots of multi-purpose compost.
Increase the greenhouse ventilation gradually in order to harden the plants off before moving them into a cold (unheated) greenhouse. Put the tough young plants outdoors in their flowering positions in late May.
Key Points When Growing Perennials From Seed to Flower in Their First Season.
Sow seeds in a heated greenhouse in February and choose perennials which flower from July onwards. Always use clean, sterile equipment and follow the rules of good husbandry These include pricking out the seedlings as soon as they are big enough to handle and gradually acclamatizing them to outdoor conditions before planting prairie style beds in late May
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