allaboutnewport logo
advertise with the sleeping dog

news » Get sowing and dream of summer!

Get sowing and dream of summer says Martin of Special Perennials

Get sowing and dream of summer!

Author | 09 December 2015

Have you noticed how after a cold winter self-sown seedlings pop up in greater numbers than usual? We are used to sowing pots of seeds on our window sill or in a warm greenhouse in spring, but some seeds really do need a whole winter’s cold before they will germinate in spring.

So now is a great time to sow these and it couldn’t be easier. Not all perennials work this way – some do need heat so do check first. We’ve selected out some of the easiest and most reliable types we grow this way.
You don’t need any indoor space or expensive equipment just a suitable container, some seed compost and something to keep excess rain off and mother nature will do the rest.

Janet is sower-in-chief in our garden and right now she is filling containers – we use plastic module trays – with a good quality seed compost. Its important to gently tamp it down and water thoroughly. Leave it to drain and settle before sowing. Large seeds should be lightly covered with dry compost – Janet uses an old plastic sieve to ensure an even, thin layer. Small seed can be gently pressed onto the surface of the compost.

The trays or pans must be put outside in the cold. Some people cover the surface with a fine alpine grit to stop moss growth and protect from rain. Janet covers hers with clear plastic tops remembering to secure them from blowing off in the wind. Now all that is needed is patience and some winter cold. In spring seed will start to germinate as the weather warms up. Once the seedlings have some proper leaves it’s time to pot them on.

One of the easiest is Mallow (Malva) which germinate easily in the winter and quickly make good flowering plants by early summer. The bloody cranebill (Geranium sanguineum) are easily raised from seed and “Striatum”, “Album” and “Vision Violet” will come completely true from seed. We also find that the meadow cranesbill (Geranium pratense) germinate well after winter cold but you will need to ensure that your seed is true if you want good plants of named types.

Angelica is a well-known herb and wildflower and there are some lovely, showier cousins you can grow from winter-sown seed. Seed must be fresh for success! Spanish Angelica (A. gigas) has large beetroot red flowers and “Vicar’s Mead” has bronze leaves and pink flowers.

I’ve only just scratched the surface of winter seed sowing, but I hope I’ve given you some ideas. So why not get sowing and dream of all that summer colour!

main news page...

other local stories

Newport Cottage Care Centre Celebrating 30 Years

Author Karen Woodcock
Published 28 March 2024

200 years of Weston Park history ends as Martin retires

Author Karen Woodcock
Published 25 March 2024

Newport Runs Stafford Half Marathon

Author Karen Woodcock
Published 25 March 2024

Council issues notice to protect historic building

Author Karen Woodcock
Published 15 March 2024

BCC president meets Shropshire Chamber patrons

Author Karen Woodcock
Published 14 March 2024

Publish and Share Your Local News Stories

Email your article with a photo to editor@allaboutnewport.co.uk