Propagation: Seed starting in summer, 1 by

wrote:
Dirt_Lover,
During the 80's while I owned and operated a commercial greenhouse in Nebraska, I sowed perennials both spring and fall. The reason was that I could not possibly sow all that I needed at the same season to be sold the following spring. I specialized in drought resistant perennials for Nebraska climate..

I started slower growing perennials in the spring. Once they were large enough to handle, they were planted in my coldframe to continue growing until August. They were then potted up to be sold following spring. End of July through August, I sowed different varieties of perennials. When large enough to handle, they too got planted in my now empty coldframe. They remained there all winter. I potted them up early spring as soon as they began to grow.

I have followed this action here in Wyoming. The house I bought had no flowers so beign the good gardener that I am I proceeded to plant 54 varieties of perennials, devided into spring and late summer. I built a simple coldframe to house my seedlings. With no greenhouse, I grow the seedlings under light in the house until last week in May when large enough to go in my coldframe.

A greenhouse is not needed to grow perennials even in the North. Why not use your greenhouse for the beautiful tropical Hibiscus and Brugmansias, etc. I am not familiar with your climate so don't know if tropical plants will grow outdoors where you live.

Coral bells, (Heuchera) can be propagated by division. That is quicker than seed sowing.

Below is my coldframe which without I could not garden. It is 3ft x 6 ft long. cover has a shade cloth. No attempt is made to protect seedling from winter weather. This was I know that they are hardy.