Seedling Journeys
Our first year was a success!!
We learned quite a bit about growing from seed and enjoyed success. On to 2024! Below are seeds we have purchased, have on hand or need to get again.
2024 Seeds Planned
Petunia Pirouette Purple
Etsy 2/17
Started sprouting 2/20
Petunia Ultra Blue Star
Etsy
2/23
Petunia Frost Fire
Etsy
2/23
Germinating 3/5 - none survived
Petunia Rose Star
Etsy, not planted yet
Johnny Jump Up
3/2
Germinating 3/6 - better in potting soil vs. seed starter
Lantana Verbena Ham and Eggs
can take up to 120 days2/21
White Cape African Daisy
3/6
Germinated 3/9
Coral Bells
Planting outside
Coleus Chocolate Cherry
Rudbeckia Cherry Brandy
Pompon Dahlia
Papertowel 3/6
Did not germinate
Sweet Peas Bijou Mix
Planting outside
California Poppy
Nasturtium Alaska Mix
For flower box, seed outside at 65
Nasturtium Jewel Mix
For flower box, seed outside at 65
Creeping Thyme
Marigold Alumia Vanilla Cream
4/2
Germinated on 4/4!!
Kirigami Oregano
2/23
Germinated on 3/5 - south windowsill
Dill Dukat
Direct sow
Rupturewort (Green Carpet)
Direct sow
Bunny Tails
Needs 70 degrees
12-20"
For garden or driveway border
Celosia Lizzard Leaf
10-14" Border or Pot
Coleus Sun Coral Candy
Plant outside at 70 degrees or inside
Good for planters - partial shade
Snapdragon Night and Day
Grow outside, frost tolerant, plant asap
Or plant indoors along with petunias
Cardinal Climber Vine
Soak before planting; Drainpipes or by hedge
Organic Basil Cardinal
24 -30 " Needs rich soil
Impatiens Candy Burgundy
Good for planters; start indoors or when warm4/5 with remaining petunia start
Lobelia Fountain Blue
Good for planters, window box in full sun; plant now
Carex Weeping Toffee (Sedge)
Use along driveway or accent in pots
Little Bluestem
Use along driveway; plant outside
2023 Journey!
We grew African daisies, zinnias, asters, marigolds, amaranth, morning glories and petunias indoors. We direct sowed or grew outdoors zinnias, cosmos, marigolds, blue salvia, hollyhocks, and sunflowers. We also direct sowed wildflower mix in the backyard woodland and along patio. Direct sowing was better IMHO except for those that need time like petunias or are tropical.
Lessons learned:
We used Espoma seed starter. The grow light setup was great. We started here and moved plants to windowsills that are south/west facing. Bottom watering is best.
Pelleted petunias are much easier - start these early like late January/early February. The wave petunias were the best we tried.
Don't start other seeds too early.
Cosmos and zinnias were super easy outside - seed right around frost date. Maybe no need to start indoors.
Do more fall planting. Hollyhocks and blue salvia were planted in fall to get ready for next year. Hollyhocks are in the secret garden and tree garden - they don't flower until Year 2. Blue salvia is by the patio stairs.
Sunflowers got eaten in backyard but flourished in front yard
Amaranth sprouted but did not flourish except near elderberry - where they got swallowed up.