How to grow quick-growing perennials from seed

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Sunday, 24 March 2019 at 3:00 pm

Find out how to grow fast-growing perennials from seed, in our practical guide.

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Early spring is the ideal time to sow quick-growing perennials, to grow on for planting out later in the year. Follow our simple steps, below, to raise healthy seedlings with a strong root system.

You Will Need

Seed tray
Multi-purpose, peat-free compost
Seeds
Sandpaper
Large container

Step 1

Growing perennials from seed - sowing the seed

Fill a shallow tray with seed compost, and firm gently. Water the compost thoroughly and allow to drain. Scatter seed thinly over the surface. Don't forget to label the seed tray.

Step 2

Growing perennials from seed - covering the seed with compost

Sieve compost through a large plastic pot, covering your seeds with a fine layer of compost about 1cm deep, then place the seed tray in a warm, sunny spot.

Step 3

Growing perennials from seed - planting the plug plant

Plants can take anything from two weeks to two months to germinate, so be patient and keep the compost moist by misting with water regularly. When seedlings are large enough to handle, pot them up in individual pots, ready to plant outside into their final growing positions.

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