skip to main content

Northwestern Gardening

Question about Fall sowing in PNW

12 years ago

I am a little confused about the goal when direct sowing perennial seeds in the Fall. Basically, I don't understand whether I'm trying to get germination IN the fall, or whether the object is to scatter in fall, and hope for germination in spring. When the seeds need cold stratification, then the answer is obvious, and it's also obvious that I can wait until late in the fall. But what about something like Aubrieta deltoidea (Purple Rockcress)? I see that this can be sown in fall, but it germinates at 70 degrees and there isn't any info about cold stratification, so, presumably, these would germinate shortly after sowing. This begs two questions: first, when is "fall"? Sept 15th? Oct 31st? Secondly, what happens to the little guys when winter comes?

I'd really appreciate some clarification/advice.

Thanks.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

duane456
12 years ago
I would use the process of "winter sowing'. Always works for me. Then you can transplant to the exact spot you want them.
Duane
maki1122
12 years ago
Exact same questions! Someone who's wiser than I please respond.
Related Discussions
OT sort of - question about Direct Sow and re-seeders
Q
Comments (4)
You'll probably get a little less reseeding, but most of your seeds are probably falling now, after you've already put the compost down, right? I had quite a few volunteers on top of a wood mulch that was put down last spring, and I'm sure that your compost would be a much more favorable material for growth. As long as the seeds are watered in either now or with winter rains and snow, I would think that you would get plenty. I find that my mulch has primarily slowed down the seeds that were in the soil underneath, so I have fewer weeds. Mulching has too many benefits not to do it, and you'll be able to fill in with wintersowing if you have any bare spots.Just collect the seeds of some reseeders as insurance.
...See More
Question about fall sowing
Q
Comments (12)
That's a helpful article, Samfawzy! Thank you for sharing that. I sowed several containers of seeds about two weeks ago, and many of them (I think all except for the different types of Primrose) have sprouted. I planted out Hollyhocks "Antwerp", Aster "Crego", and Osteospurmum. HH's seem to germinate through the whole growing season in the soil from seeds it drops after the first bloom time or seeds it's dropped from last year. So I was pretty confident they can get good growth before the cold hits. I have some other things, a hibiscus, delphinium, foxglove, a scabiosa, and a sulphureus Cosmos, that I need to get in soon as well. I figure if I can get all of them in before the end of August, they have time to do something (the cool annuals) or settle in (perennials and biennials). I've never Summer Sown these types of things before, so we'll see how it works out. Linda
...See More
Question about poppy seeds sowing
Q
Comments (5)
Peony poppies are annuals and Oriental poppies are perennials. Oriental poppies do not like to be moved but I've done it many times and if they are kept watered they eventually quit sulking and return. They are prickly tho so it's easiest to plant where they will stay. If I were in your situation I'd plant the seeds directly in the garden somewhere there is a bit of space. Peony poppies are fairly distinctive when tiny, the leaves are frilly and a blue-green. I have some coming up in the weirdest places this year, nowhere near where they were last year. I haven't let the Orientals seed lately but I think the leaves are a bit prickly even when young. One thing I've done is cut gallon plastic bleach bottles in 2" rings, push into the soil in between plants a bit and plant in the ring. That way I know where the seeds are and only have to determine which are weeds within the ring.
...See More
Question about Fall Garden Planning
Q
Comments (5)
Kat - I noticed the same thing, and also am planning on growing those 2 vegetables this fall. I think it's got alot to do with the amount of time needed from germination to maturity, and outdoor temperature. These are both cole crops, and if direct seeded in my region around August 1st - would certainly die, because of the extreme heat. That's why I intend to start them indoors, and transplant them about the 2nd week of September.
...See More
oliveoyl3
12 years ago
To answer the questions posted:
1. fall Sept. or October? Depends on your location...For us I consider it fall when nights are considerably cooler & the rains begin again. The clear skies we've had now with temps in the 80s is still summer.

2. the little guys:
Self sown newly germinated seedlings are usually a mass & overwinter with some protection of the mother plant or other plants nearby. Some are eaten by slugs or birds, but usually some remain. If you sow your plants like that in place you will have some remaining in spring that will mature further possibly blooming for you.

3. goal of fall planting of perennials?
I second wintersowing as the easiest method early winter next year. Slugs in the garden bed love fall seedlings & it's much easier to control them in containers.

Hope that helps!

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES New Ways to Think About All That Mulch in the Garden

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Before you go making a mountain out of a mulch hill, learn the facts about what your plants and soil really want

FALL GARDENING Why Fall Is the Best Time for Planting

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Spring is overrated for planting. Starting plants in autumn has advantages for both garden and gardener

FALL GARDENING 7 Reasons Not to Clean Up Your Fall Garden

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Before you pluck and rake, consider wildlife, the health of your plants and your own right to relax

LANDSCAPE DESIGN 7 Great Trees for Summer Shade and Fall Color

By Tiffany Carboni

These landscape-pro faves straddle the seasons beautifully. Could one enhance your own yard?

FALL GARDENING 6 Trees You'll Fall For

By Therese Ciesinski

Don’t put down that spade! Autumn is the perfect time for planting these trees

GARDENING FOR BUTTERFLIES 3 Ways Native Plants Make Gardening So Much Better

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

You probably know about the lower maintenance. But native plants' other benefits go far beyond a little less watering and weeding

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Exuberant Self-Seeders for Gorgeous, Easy-Care Gardens

By Donald Pell - Gardens

Keep weeds down, color high and maintenance low with beautful plants that sow themselves

BEDROOMS Houzz Quiz: What Color Should You Paint Your Bedroom Walls?

By Jennifer Ott Design

Cool and soothing, or warm and spicy? Answer these questions and learn what hue is right for you

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Great Design Plant: Quaking Aspen for 3-Season Beauty — on Its Own Turf

It offers bright fall foliage, snowy winter bark and lush green leaves in summer. Just don't try to plant quaking aspen away from its home

NATIVE PLANTS 5 Ways to Keep Your Native Plant Garden Looking Good All Year

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

It’s all about planning ahead, using sustainable practices and accepting plants as living organisms

Sponsored

More Discussions

Gossler Farms Nursery visit...Embothrium purchase

7

My favorite plant in my garden, right now.

12

Time for Winter to Go!

5

My favorite plant, Easter 2024

4

We wants it! (But will it rule them all?)

10