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Growing Perennials from Seeds and Transplants
If you're like most perennial gardeners, your wish list
is larger than your wallet. Growing plants from seeds
and transplants provides an economical way to
fulfill your vision, and some perennials will even
bloom the first year from seed. Here are some
important points to consider:
* The first year that a young perennial spends in the
garden is generally devoted to expanding its root
system and growing new stems and leaves. If the
plant does flower, the display will not be as showy
as it will be in subsequent years.
* Many gardeners interplant a new perennial
garden with annuals so that there will be a display
the first year. (Note that this only works if the
annuals are not allowed to overshadow and
overwhelm the young perennials.)
* You can also set aside a garden bed to serve
as a nursery bed, where young perennials are
grown for a year or two until they are large enough
to take the competition of being planted into an
established garden.
* Perennials that are reputed to bloom the first year
from seed must be started in very early spring and
grown under good conditions. Black-eyed Susans
(Rudbeckia), purple cone flowers (Echinacea)
the "Foxy" strain of foxglove (Digitalis), delphiniums,
and Verbascum are good examples.
* Some perennials that are not hardy in the north
can be treated like annuals because they will bloom
the first year from seed. Lavender ‘Lavender Lady'
is one notable example. It will fill a garden bed with
fragrance the first summer.
* Perennials purchased as transplants in 4-inch pots
will often bloom the first year if they are transplanted
early into well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.
* Although perennials are hardier than annuals, they still
need to be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions
before being transplanted into the garden. A cold frame
makes an ideal transitional home for these transplants.
* Avoid the temptation to space the small plants close
together because it's important to allow enough room to
accommodate their future growth. They won't grow to their
potential if they are too crowded.
Q. Does columbine seed require any special treatment
to help it germinate?
A. Columbine seed germinates best after it has received
a cold treatment. The seed should be sowed in a pot or
tray which is then placed in the refrigerator for 3 weeks.
Then place the seeds in a 70-degree F location. It may
take several weeks for the seeds to germinate. Some
other seeds have similar requirements, so check the
seed packet and catalog for recommendations.
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