A lot of people think you can only sow in the spring, but that's not true. You can also sow in the fall, so you will have earlier flowers and longer flower stems in the spring. Is it applicable to every flower? No. But for hardy annuals it is very beneficial. Why that is, and how to do it you'll discover below. We compiled all our tips for getting off to a good start.
What are hardy annuals?
Let's start at the beginning: what are hardy annuals? They are flowers that are annuals, and thus bloom profusely for a season, but can withstand the cold. They usually tolerate temperatures down to about - 5 °C, which immediately makes them hardier than so-called "warm" annuals. Because make no mistake, most annuals can't stand frost. They turn brown and die. Hardy annuals - the word says it all - are hardy and can be sown much earlier for that reason. But sowing now, is that for everyone?
Sow now: in a greenhouse or cold frame
If you want to sow in the fall, it is important to know that you need a greenhouse or cold box to get started. If you don't have a greenhouse, then we recommend that you still wait to sow until spring. After all, they may be hardy annuals, but they need protection from the inclement elements they face outside during the winter months. A greenhouse, tunnel greenhouse or cold frame provides that protection. That environment keeps the young plants alive, growing steadily and getting through the winter better. Sowing inside the house is not recommended. It is far too dark there during the darkest months, and often the temperature is so high that plants continue to grow and soar. The combination of little sunlight and high temperatures causes your plants to become weak and sick. In that case, there are no more benefits, and it is better to wait until the weather improves in spring.
The benefits of sowing in the fall
If you can protect your seedlings during the winter months, and you have what it takes to continue caring for your plants even though it's cold and gray outside, then you can make the consideration. But what exactly are the benefits? You don't want to take care of your plants all winter long, with no benefits, of course. Sowing hardy annuals in the fall has the advantage that you will have stronger plants in the spring, blooming a little earlier, but most importantly: it will give your flowers longer flower stems. In a picking garden, this is not an unnecessary luxury, when you know that long stems can be used much better in bouquets. So sowing in autumn is indeed useful.
What hardy annuals can you sow now?
Lathyrus or olfactory peas: can be sown in the fall for earlier flowering and longer flower stalks.
Nigella or damsel in green: needs a colder period to develop well. More likely to succeed if you can sow in the fall.
Delphinium consolida: is an annual delphinium that needs a cold period to break the germination dormancy. Sow from October to mid-February for best results. You can also put the seeds in the freezer for a week first and only then sow. This significantly increases the chances of success.
Centaurea or cornflower: is a hardy annual that you can sow in the fall. Directly in the open ground, or sheltered under glass. Autumn sown specimens grow much taller than seedlings you sow in spring.
Calendula or marigold: an annual that you might not immediately associate with fall sowing, but does very well now. The plant goes dormant in winter and blooms as early as early spring. Sowing now makes for stronger plants.
Antirrhinum or snapdragons: are our favorite. By sowing them in the fall, you get earlier flowers in the spring and more importantly, much longer stems.
Learn more thanks to our videos
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In this video, Angelo shows you step-by-step how to sow Lathyrus or cucumber. Little effort, much effect, because they bloom so insanely well!
Flowers you can sow outdoors
But there are exceptions, because you can also sow flowers directly outdoors. A few do not like to be transplanted or transplanted and for that reason it is better to give them a place outside right away. An overview.
Daucus or ornamental root: can be sown in the fall for long flower stalks in spring and summer. Sow in situ, the plant produces a long taproot that does not like to be transplanted.
Ammi majus or white lace flower: this umbellifer benefits from being sown in the fall. This allows the plant to grow vigorously and bloom more profusely.
Poppy or poppy: needs a cold period to germinate. Scatter on the soil, do not cover and wait. Some will germinate before winter, some will not until warmer weather arrives. Sowing in the fall makes for stronger plants.
Seeding now: what if it still freezes?
We talked about it above: hardy annuals can easily tolerate - 5°C. But what if it were to get really cold next winter? Don't panic, you can also give your seedlings extra protection by covering them with a fleece or freezer cloth. You can also close mini greenhouses with a lid to give them extra protection against severe frost. The ones you have sown directly outside are somewhat more resistant to freezing and do not need this extra care. On the contrary: by exposing those seeds to cold, they will germinate better in the spring.
