Have you ever wanted to plant a mass planting of one perennial but looked at the price of fifteen of the same and thought, no, that’s crazy! There are times if you want an instant effect that you might splurge and just do it. Planning for a wedding and planting perennials in the year prior, you know the plants will be well established. A landscaper usually has the costs built into the quote for the whole landscaping contract but for the home gardener the decision is more difficult.

Working with small budgets, we tend to buy ‘one ofs,’  because we really want that plant! However there is another way if you have patience. That is to grow your own.

There are many reasons to start your perennials from seed. Many plants can be raised from a small package of seed. It makes experimenting with new plants affordable. It is very gratifying. It is possible to grow plants not always available in the nursery. It is also possible to start some perennials, which we grow as annuals early enough to have them flower in their first year. The Tall verbena, Verbena bonariensis in a previous article is an example of this. Tall Verbena will grow as a perennial in its native Mediterranean habitat.

When I was starting a much larger garden for my new house forty years ago, it was impossible to find some perennials at all. I discovered Gardens North, a perennial grower and seed distributer at the time, through reading gardening magazines. Many orders over several years resulted in many of the perennials I still have and whose progeny has spread around my community. Gardens North no longer sells seed but there are many other sources for flower seeds. Our local nurseries always have a good selection and for new varieties and the unusual we are now so fortunate in being able to simply search on line. I ordered from three different sources this year and all the seeds arrived in good time.

Starting perennials from seed is no more difficult than growing many vegetables. The big difference is that your new plants will take two or three years to mature, some less and some more. There are some persnickety perennials that take a long time to germinate and there will be disappointments but for a $5 seed package there is little to lose because most will be successful. There are also a number of perennials that will flower first year from seed if started early enough.  Columbine, Feverfew, Gaillardia, Rudbeckia hirta are a few.

 ‘Munstead’ Lavender is wonderful example of a simple perennial to start from seed that will reward you for years to come.  I tried several lavenders and after researching for the toughest. I discovered ‘Munstead’ variety. It does not have as long spikes of flowers like many other varieties but boy, is it tough and easy to start from seed. It easily withstands drought and deer don’t touch it. I started many plants and have had to reduce the number because of lack of space. All lavenders require well drained soil in full sun. Munstead’s fragrance is as good as any other lavender and its flowers dry well. It is named after Gertrude Jekyll’s garden ‘Munstead Wood’ in the U.K.  Gertrude Jekyll (1843 – 1932) was internationally known for her planting designs, many of which still exist and are used today.

‘Munstead’ Lavender growing happily alongside my driveway.

Other perennials I have grown from seed without trouble are, Sweet Cicely, Germander, Echinacea, Lupins, Elecampane, Costemary, perennial Poppies, Delphinium, Fall Asters, Cranesbills, Columbines, Sildalcea, various Centaureas, Nepetas and more. Some stay with me for many years and others have been short lived.  

Columbine, Lupin, Giant Nepeta, Alpine Clematis and Rudbeckia, all examples of perennials easily grown from seed. The Alpine Clematis will likely not bloom to its second year.

When you receive your seed, plant according to directions on the package, using a seed starter mix and small well-draining containers. I like to add vermiculite on the surface of the soil to retain moisture around the seed. Popping the containers into a plastic bags perforated with some ventilation holes will keep moisture in the soil while you wait for germination which can take a few weeks.  Make sure the planting medium does not dry out and always read carefully to see if the seeds need stratification (see previous article).

The wait might be a long one or not depending on the plant and the condition of the seed.

More on transplanting to come.