Flower seeds - an affordable way to brighten the garden
Growing flowers from seed is a fun and satisfying task. With a wealth of shapes and colours to choose from, you can fill your garden with magical aromas and beautiful petals.
Flower seeds can save you money, as they are cheaper than buying fully grown plants. You also get the satisfaction of nurturing and watching your young seedlings blossom and mature in to adult plants. Growing plants from seed can be a relaxing solitary activity or you can get friends and family involved and make it a social event.
Planting seeds becomes even more interesting and magical with the addition of children. They love to get their hands mucky and will be enchanted by the whole process. Just give them a few seeds and a little watering can and let them do the rest.
Different types of flower seed
Seeds are generally classified according to their bloom frequency, life span, and type of flower produced.
Annual seeds
Annual seeds have a lifespan of one year so they need to be replanted each year. Some annuals can reseed themselves in warmer climates. A few examples of flowers that have annual seeds are sweet peas, marigolds, poppies, dahlias, and morning glories.
Perennials
Once perennials are planted they come back year after year. Most types of perennial seeds tend to be a little more expensive because of this. Examples of perennials include black-eyed-susan, hollyhocks, and iris.
Biennials
Biennial seeds have a life span of two years. Typically, these flowers will grow during the first year and bloom in the second year. Examples of biennials are forget-me-nots, evening primrose, and sweet william.
When planning a flower garden, many opt to plant a mixture of annuals, perennials, and biennials to keep their garden flowering throughout the years.
Here are 4 things to remember when planting seeds in your garden:
1. Soil Conditions
Pay attention to the soil needs of each type of flower seed. Most flowers typically prefer rich and well drained soil. Try to avoid planting where there is constant standing water or regular flooding. However some flowers such as cornflower grow well in these boggy conditions.
2. Planting depth
Different flower seeds require planting at different depths. For example, sunflowers should be planted 1/4-inch in the soil, while zinnias should be planted 1/16-inch under the soil. Some types of seed can be placed directly on top of the soil without any covering.
The correct spacing between seeds is also crucial for their development. For example, allow 6-8 inches between pansies and 18 inches between tall varieties of marigolds. Good seed spacing will ensure that your flowers have room to grow and are not competing for nutrients or water.
3. Light
The only thing as important as providing the right soil conditions for your seeds, is ensuring that they receive the required amount of light. Many flowers prefer locations that are constantly bathed in sunshine. Others, such as pansies, prefer a little shade.
If your flowers don’t get enough light they may fail to bloom, or if you place a shade-preferring flower in direct sunlight, it may wilt or become scorched. Knowing how to care for specific varieties is imperative in growing healthy flowers.
4. Water
Water breathes life into seeds. Just like people, flowers cannot live without a sufficient supply of water. Most types of flowers need to be watered regularly, however some types of flowers prefer a drier soil. Watering your flowers regularly can be expensive but by installing a water butt you can reduce the cost. Plants prefer rainwater as it has a more balanced Ph level than tap water.
Flower seeds are a fun and affordable way of adding colour and scent to your garden. By following these general guidelines and the specific instructions on the seed packet, you can create a garden full of bright blossoms.
