What flower seeds can be started this early? Anything?
I'm more of a veggie gardener, but somehow ended up with a gazillion flower seeds. Would appreciate your input on what I might be able to get going with!
And, of course, I must show off my Abutillion - the bud is about to open - and minute now!
i don't think there's anything you can put in the ground now, but some seeds could probably start inside...
i'm sure knowledgeable seed starters will have plenty of advice - just thought i'd bump you to the top.
Many seeds(anyone can correct me if I'm wrong) can be direct sowed after the frost date for your area and if you want them to come up faster you can start them inside. Some seeds need to be started inside 6-8 weeks before planting outside.
I'm looking for types of seeds that can be started inside without getting too leggy before it's time to go outside. Last year I did Hollyhocks and hibiscus and they all died for lack of natural light. Even with growlights, they grew too fast for the indoors. And the Morning Glories got with the program too soon and were spent too early. I was wondering if some of the tougher to germinate plants might be appropriate to start this early - thought someon might have definitive experience.
I know daturas can't be started this early, as they don't really like the indoors and don't take well to transitioning. I guess I'll go ahead and start with some Mexican Bird of Paridise and Bat Tacca. That should keep me challenged for a couple more weeks.
Thanks for responding.
Here are a few flower seeds that can be started indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost, i.e. early March in my area, according to my seed book, and that I have successfully tried. There are lots more that I haven't.
Coreopsis, Dianthus, Echinacea, Euphorbia, Monarda, Nicotiana, Petunia, Portulaca, Pyrethrum, Scabiosa, Shasta Daisy, Stokes Aster, Yarrow, and Allium/Chives. Morning Glories are also recommended for this time but I just plant them outside and they take care of themselves. Come to think of it, my Nicotania got a little too big last year before I could plant them outside, maybe I'll wait another week for them.
Some plants that must be started early but require stratification or cold treatment are
Daylilies, Callicarpa, Hardy Geranium, Sidalcea, Perovskia and Verbena. I've got some of these in the fridge right now.
Thank you, Don! That is very helpful. Now I can play this weekend!!!
