Growing perennials from seeds: Save money and enliven your garden with these 7 flowers, sow them now for annual blooms!
Spring's upon us, and if you're itching to fill your garden with vibes without emptying your wallet, sowing your own perennials from seeds is the ideal way. Most garden plants are either annual or perennial. The former blossoms, sets seed, and kicks the bucket within a year, whereas the latter lasts for a couple of years. Plant them in early spring, and numerous long-blooming perennials will blossom in their initial year and return year after year - a terrific cost-saver as you won't have to replant your beds and borders every season.
While starting off your own perennials from seed may require a bit more effort compared to buying ready-grown plants from a nursery, the price of a packet of seeds is a fraction of the cost, and you'll likely have an abundance of seedlings to pot when in need of more plants for your border ideas.
"There are some fantastic perennial varieties that are surprisingly easy to sow from seed, perfect for those seeking a long-term return on limited investment," says Elise Harlock, Brand Manager at Prestige Blooms. "Sowing your own perennials is a win-win, costing a fraction of the price of buying mature plants yet offering the pleasure of witnessing their growth from scratch. It's also a more sustainable choice with fewer plastics, less transport, and lower resource usage."
1. Echinacea
If you're looking for an eye-catching and hardy perennial to brighten up your flower beds (or borders), look no further than Echinacea. The cheerful daisy-like flowers come in shades from warm yellows and fiery oranges to cooler pinks and purples and blend seamlessly when planted en masse. They're also profuse seeders, meaning they'll naturally spread, potentially offering new plants for free in your garden.
"Echinacea is a beloved classic cottage-garden plant," says Elise. "The seeds are easy to sow indoors in early spring, and they thrive in sunny, well-drained locations. Once established, they're exceptionally hardy and attract bees and butterflies in droves."
Where to buy Echinacea seeds:
- Sarah Raven: The whirligig-shaped flowers and mixed colors of Echinacea purpurea 'Paradiso Mix' make quite the impression.
- Suttons: Stock up on the easy-to-grow Echinacea purpurea 'Brilliant Star' seeds
Elise Harlock is the Brand Manager at Prestige Blooms, one of the UK's leading online florists. With extensive horticultural knowledge and years of experience in the floral industry, Elise is a trusted voice in the gardening world. Her expert advice can be found in numerous publications, and she regularly shares tips on everything from seasonal planting to common gardening mistakes.
2. Lupins
Another beloved cottage garden classic, lupins are quickly recognized thanks to their bold, colorful flower spikes and make an excellent choice for adding height to your beds and borders.
"Lupins bring a bold, architectural shape to beds and borders," says Elise. "They do well in full sun and can tolerate poor soil - but beware of standing water, as they hate it. A quick soak in water will help boost germination rates when sowing seeds."
"For an extra boost when sowing seeds, try soaking them overnight," suggests Angharad James, Product Manager at Maxicrop. "This will soften the outer layer and allow water to penetrate, initiating germination. Add a dash of Maxicrop All-Purpose Plant Growth Stimulant to the water while soaking. It will help your plants grow strong and healthy from seed to full bloom." (You can find Maxicrop on Amazon.)
Where to buy lupin seeds:
- Suttons: Begin with Lupin 'Gallery Mix,' a hardy perennial with colorful spikes.
- Thompson & Morgan: Try the pretty two-tone blooms of Lupin 'Avalune Mixed'
Angharad James is a Product Manager at Maxicrop, with nearly a decade of experience in the horticultural industry. Specializing in organic gardening, Angharad believes that harnessing the power of seaweed is the secret to cultivating successful gardens – whether you're nurturing fruit, vegetables, flowers, or lawns.
3. Aquilegia
Aquilegia, also known as columbine or granny's bonnet due to its distinctive nodding cap-shaped flowers, comes in a wide range of colors, from bold reds and hot pinks to soft purples, whites, and even two-toned flowers. The foliage is attractive too, offering scalloped leaves that serve as a great backdrop for other plants.
"Aquilegia are delightfully low maintenance," says Elise. "They'll self-seed once established, but starting from seed is simple – sow them directly in spring or autumn. They're unfussy about soil type and do well in shady spots."
Where to buy aquilegia seeds:
- Suttons: We love the multi-colored Aquilegia 'Pretty Bonnets Mix'
- Mr Fothergills: Kick off with the sun-loving RHS Aquilegia Yellow Queen
4. Coreopsis
"A brilliant beginner-friendly perennial with cheerful, daisy-like flowers, coreopsis thrives in full sun and requires little attention," says Elise. "It's drought-tolerant, hardy, and offers a long blooming season."
Coreopsis seeds can be sown outdoors in prepared soil after the last frost. Keep the soil moist, and avoid covering the seeds, as they need light to germinate.
Where to buy coreopsis seeds:
- Suttons: Go bold with the vibrant yellow and orange Coreopsis Mardi Gras'
- Thompson & Morgan: Multicolored Coreopsis x hybrida 'Incredible Dwarf Mix' are a vibrant choice
5. Delphiniums
With their impressive, lofty flower spikes, delphiniums make a striking addition to beds and borders, particularly when planted in twos or threes, providing height to displays and blending well with mid-height roses and peonies (or other vertical blooms).
"Delphiniums have a reputation for being finicky, but from seed, they're quite straightforward," says Elise. "Sow indoors in late winter or early spring in a cool, bright location. They love rich soil and a sheltered spot. Once established, they reward you with towering blue spikes that are pure drama."
Consider dividing established perennials, like delphiniums, every 2-5 years, digging them up and dividing the new plants created. These should flower the same year.
Where to buy delphinium seeds:
- Dobies: Warm up your borders with the elegant pastel tones of Delphinium 'Hyacinth-flowered Mix'
- Mr Fothergill: Go for an all-blue variety with the beautiful RHS Delphinium Centurion Sky Blue
6. Verbena bonariensis
Verbena bonariensis is an excellent choice if you're looking to add height to your beds and borders. This tall perennial boasts spindly leaves with clusters of lilac-purple blooms atop. Its translucent quality and architectural form make it ideal for adding structure without creating dense blocks of color.
Verbena bonariensis is easy to grow from seed, and its nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making it suitable for wildflower garden ideas. Sow indoors in late winter or early spring and maintain a warm temperature of 70-77°F until germination, around 2-3 weeks.
Where to buy Verbena bonariensis seeds:
- Thompson & Morgan: Opt for Verbena Bonariensis, an affordable choice.
- Marshalls Garden: Verbena seeds 'Bonariensis Vanity' offer a burst of color.
7. Dianthus
Perfect for container gardens, as well as borders, Dianthus, also known as "pinks," offer an abundance of blooms, a delightful scent, and varied colors. The serrated edge of the petals (which resembles cut pinking shears) gives this plant its name – regardless of their actual color.
"Dianthus are a great addition to the garden," says Phoebe Cater, Plant Buyer at British Garden Centers. "They're simple to grow, shock resistant, and adaptable to a range of soil conditions. Seedlings take about 2 weeks to germinate and are ready for planting in the garden 6-8 weeks later."
With some varieties (e.g., 'Sweet Purple White Bicolor' and 'Sweet Pink Magic'), it is possible to flower the same year if started in a heated propagator in January, February, or March, and then planted out in April or May.
Where to buy Dianthus seeds:
- Sarah Raven: Explore the richly colored Dianthus barbatus 'Electron Mix'
- Thompson & Morgan: Select the stunning pink and white Dianthus deltoides 'Arctic Fire'
"To create a vivid home-and-garden lifestyle, consider sowing the perennial blooms Echinacea, Lupins, Aquilegia, Coreopsis, Delphiniums, Verbena bonariensis, and Dianthus from seeds. Whether you're cultivating a cottage-style garden or seeking a cost-effective method to add color and texture, these long-lasting perennials offer a variety of shapes, colors, and growing conditions that cater to different gardening preferences."
"By nurturing Echinacea, Lupins, Aquilegia, Coreopsis, Delphiniums, Verbena bonariensis, and Dianthus from scratch, you'll not only be investing in a long-term lifestyle choice but also supporting sustainable horticultural practices. With less waste, lower transportation costs, and a reduced carbon footprint, these perennials are a win-win for both your wallet and the environment."
