Cosmos, Bright Lights
Fall is a great time to sow seeds directly in the garden or even a large container. These seeds will be ready to germinate when the temperature and moisture level of the soil is right for each type of seed. Both annuals- those one-season, brightly colored flowers that I love because they then reseed, and perennials- those flowers that grow all season and flower for several weeks at a time- can be planted in the Fall.
Texas Bluebonnets
Timing is the key to successful Fall seed sowing. That and remembering that you planted seeds in a spot and don’t go digging around planting something else there!
Follow the directions on the seed packet for how deep to sow. I always sow thickly in the fall so I have a nice full garden later on!
Here are some tips from my seed supplier, Botanical Interests, to help you get started:
Start planning next season now!
Fall-sown annuals will emerge as soon as Mother Nature cooperates, allowing plants to grow larger more quickly and bloom earlier than spring-sown annuals.
If you live in an area with frost and snow, sow the seeds after a killing freeze but before snow (late October, early November in most areas) or you can also sow in late winter between snows. The snow helps bury seeds and insulates them, helping to retain the seeds’ moisture.
Sweet Peas
In southern states and other mild winter areas, you can sow in late September for winter bloom. Adding a little sand to the seeds not only helps space seeds more evenly, but also gives you a better visual aid of where you sowed in case you need to water over a dry winter. Don’t forget to mark what and where you sowed with stakes so you don’t accidentally weed out emerging flowers!
And, remember, Botanical Interests seed packets have pictures of the seedlings along with lots of other information on the inside of the package!
So… what can you sow now? Here’s a short list:
Calendula
- Bachelor Buttons
- Cosmos
- Flax
- Hyacinth Bean
- Morning Glory
- Nasturtium
- Poppies
- Sweet Peas
- Texas Bluebonnets
- Zinnias
You can find the seeds above at the seed pages here on The Herb Cottage Website.
Do yourself a big favor and make some time this fall to sow some flower seeds. It’ll save you time, money and work next spring. Growing annuals from seeds is so easy and rewarding.
And, for successive years… many of the varieties I’ve mentioned will reseed. Just don’t deadhead them until the flower heads have dried. Then, deadhead the spent blooms and distribute the seeds where you want the flowers to grow. OR, put the seeds in an envelope, label them and save then until the fall. Keep the seeds dry and cool. A frost-free refrigerator is perfect!