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who is winter sowing?
What are you sowing this year? What are you most excited about?
I'm pretty excited to grow lots of seed I collected from my Mom's garden when I got to visit her this past summer for the first time in years (usually it is a winter holiday when we visit). Lots are a bit experimental, like clematis and panicle hydrangeas. Some have been very successful in the past, like bleeding heart. It was just a wonderful time walking around her garden and collecting the seeds. Planting seeds that have memories attached and growing flowers from them is a very special thing.
I've also had hybrid hellebore seeds in jugs since the summer (lid off in summer obviously) and I hope they germinate in the spring.
I wish we didn't have our privacy issues here because I'd love to do a seed swap.
Thank you for reminding me to do this! I have some large five gallon water jugs that I used last winter (made the tops removable). Last year I planted vervain, hairy balls (lol) milkweed, rudbeckia, and sea holly this way.
You've inspired me to start brainstorming perennial varieties to try this year.
Here's a collection of winter sow perennials from Select Seeds (woman-owned, pretty sure) for anyone else who is interested. I also like Prairie Moon Nursery.
You're welcome! I have about 70 jugs going this year. I might have gone a bit overboard.
Select Seeds is a great source and very pretty seed packets. They're fantastic for browsing to find new interesting things to grow. I also like Swallowtail Seeds, very high quality, but no fun seed packets.
I did sea holly a few years ago and it bloomed the second year for me, but I have a lot of shade so it didn't want to stand up. I'm trying butterfly weed, which is a type of milkweed, this year.
I always wonder why people grow the "hairy balls"? Are they cut flowers?
The seed balloons of hairy balls milkweed can be used for cut flowers. It was fascinating to watch all the different bugs and pollinators that made use of that plant. It also has pretty flowers.
I'm hoping my sea holly flowers this year, since it did nothing last year. I've tried growing butterfly weed from seed twice but both times they failed to thrive (possibly not enough sun or fertility where I placed them).
I am browsing Swallowtail Seeds now, thanks for the tip.
Interesting! I had never seen the flowers before and they are quite pretty.
I hope your sea holly blooms this year! They're so unique in the garden.