Plant seeds in the autumn and enjoy flowers in the spring.
Sow seeds early and late in the fall - and be greeted by a blooming garden in the spring. Which seeds are suitable for overwintering?
Read more here in our guide and get your planting done in the fall before the frost comes.
Perennial seeds and seedlings
Seeds that need to be sown early in the fall
Some seeds should be sown early in the fall, as early as August and September. These seeds need time to grow into small plants before frost arrives. Among the plants suitable for early sowing, here are five favorites:
- Peach-leaved bellflower (Campanula persicifolia) – A perennial plant that thrives in poor, well-drained soil. Sow in a sunny location.
- Canterbury bells (Campanula medium) – A biennial plant that prefers porous, rich soil and grows well in sun to partial shade.
- Pansy (Viola x wittrockiana) – Sow in August for early spring blooming. It thrives in sun to partial shade and needs winter protection.
- Oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare) – A classic, easy-care perennial that prefers sun to partial shade.
- Forget-me-not (Myosotis sylvatica) – A biennial plant that grows well in most soil types and can be sown in sun, partial shade, or shade.
After sowing, keep the soil moist with gentle watering. When the cold arrives, cover the plants with leaves or breathable fabric to help them withstand winter better.
Seeds to be sown later
There are also seeds that can be sown later in the autumn. This prevents the plants from sprouting too early and being damaged by winter cold, allowing them to grow in spring. Just be sure to plant before frost arrives, as late as October or November.
- Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) – Thrives in nutrient-rich soil in sunny locations. Sow in autumn to bloom around midsummer. Annual and easy to grow.
- Marigold (Calendula officinalis) – An easy-to-grow bedding plant that self-seeds and returns the next year. Prefers well-drained, nutrient-rich soil in sunny spots.
- Opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) – An annual poppy that grows well in full sun and well-drained soil. Sow late in autumn.
- Delphinium (Delphinium elatum) – A perennial that thrives in rich garden soil and needs drying between watering. Grows best in full sun to partial shade.
- Corn poppy (Papaver rhoeas) – An annual that self-seeds, returning each year. Grows well in wild meadows and full sun.
Tips: Ensure proper spacing between seeds, follow the packet instructions, and cover lightly with soil.