Seeding for Perennials

Perennial flowers bloom year after year.

Some perennials grown from seed can be the most productive method of gaining new, healthy plants for the garden and flowerbed. Other perennials have low germination rates. Research the plant you wish to grow before starting from seed.

Direct Planting

Blanket flowers may be started from seed.

Some perennials do not transplant well from containers. Such specimens should be planted directly into the ground or started in a biodegradable pot that can be placed in the ground in its entirety. Such pots should be well covered by garden soil when planted in the garden.

Starting Seeds in Pots

Echinacea is easily started from seed.

Other perennial seeds, such as echinacea, transplant well. These may be started in pots indoors or outdoors, the latter after danger of frost has passed.

Treatments for Perennial Seeds

Rudbeckia grows well from seeds.

Some perennial seeds require treatment to germinate. Scarification is the process of nicking the seed so it can absorb water needed for germination. This also can be accomplished with sandpaper. Stratification is chilling the seeds in a moist medium to facilitate germination. Research of the perennial seed should instruct on which method works for which seeds.

References

• University of Illinois Extension: Homeowners Column: Starting Perennials from Seed Can be a Challenge
• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Perennial Gardening In Florida
• Cornell University: Home Gardening: How to Grow Perennials

Resources

• University of Illinois Extension: Effingham County Master Gardeners Column: Perennials