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Northwestern Gardening

Too late for seed sowing?

18 years ago

I've just emptied my greenhouse, and now have room for trying to start seeds (for the 1st time in my life!) I have crape myrtle seeds, and Stargazer Dahlia, and all sorts of other perennial seeds (no annuals). Is it too late to start them in the greenhouse?

Sharlene, near White Rock, BC

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morz8 - Washington Coast
18 years ago
Sharlene, it depends on the type plant. Many, but certainly not all, perennial seeds will germinate best with a moist chill preceding the warmer temperatures for sprouting.

i.e. your crepe myrtle...
Lagerstroemia indica , Crapemyrtle ,zone= 7 , sow 2m @ 39ÂºF, move to 70ÂºF for germ.

This doesn't mean you can't sow them, but it may be best if you put the seeds in a small zip lock with a tsp. or so of moist sterile vermiculite or moist sterile sand, and pop it into the refrigerator for the suggested number of weeks. Then, sow vermiculite and all into your seed pots and move them into your greenhouse. ( You will find some perennials that will germinate best at lower temperatures than might be found in your greenhouse in late Spring to Summer, look them up, you'll lessen your anxiety)

This is a helpful site for suggestions for sowing seeds of all types...Read through the different sections for some wonderful tips on seed sowing, from moisture, to sowing medium - And have fun, it's very rewarding to see those bits of green indicating success.

Here is a link that might be useful: Clothiers
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