Of course, the descriptor “best” is very subjective, but after countless years of trying/failing—and trying/failing some more—I think I’ve earned the right to come up with a list of “best” seeds to sow in the fall. Why fall? The short answer is that many seeds need a period of cold and moisture to properly germinate. Your seeds will lie dormant through winter and germinate in the spring. Not to mention, autumn’s blissfully cooler temperatures and increase in rainfall can reduce stress on seedlings and improve water absorption. Another bonus of sowing in the fall is that this method is a cost-effective way to plant, as a seed packet is much more affordable than nursery-grown plants.
Pro planting tip: As everyone’s climate differs, before you choose seeds to sow, always look up your USDA plant hardiness zone and learn the average minimum winter temperature of your area, as well as the first and last frost dates. Then research your chosen seeds’ requirements and make sure they are compatible. When ready, prepare the soil by removing weeds and amending it with compost. After planting per the packet’s specifications, water seeds gently. If rain isn’t a frequent occurrence, continue keeping the area moist until seedlings sprout and become established in the spring.
Please keep reading to learn my highly opinionated list of favorite seeds to sow in fall:
N.B.: Featured photograph above of Iceland poppies by Katherine Porter via Flickr.
California Poppy (Short-lived Perennial in Warm Climates; Annual in Cold Climates)
Above: Photograph by Andrew Miller via Flickr.
As a proud California native, I suppose that I’m partial to these iconic flowers as they are the state flower, lure a plethora of pollinators, are drought tolerant, and brighten up any garden. I have success when I direct-sow the seeds into a sunny, well-draining spot by lightly scattering the tiny seeds on the soil surface. I have also used a can of these seeds that come with a dispersal additive to help separate the seeds upon scattering. If you want to sow a lot of California poppies, a large can, or bag, is the way to go. Look for these poppies in the classic orange hue but also in creamy white, peach, pink and yellow. Once I get a good year of healthy California poppies, I seem to get a repeat the next year without any effort.
Love-in-a-Mist (Self-Seeding Annual)
Above: Nigella damascena. Photograph by Maggie McCain via Flickr.
I love this plant for its unique flower and even more unique seed heads that look fantastic added to dried flower arrangements. In mild climates, direct-sow the minuscule black seeds onto well-drained soil in a sunny or mostly sunny spot, and then keep the soil consistently moist. Love-in-a-mist seeds require light to germinate, so be careful not to cover them up when planting. Bonus: these seeds readily re-seed in my garden every year.
Nasturtium (Self-Seeding Annual)
Above: Photograph by Marie Viljoen.
Another easy-to-grow favorite. I adore how nasturtiums effortlessly scramble about the garden and pump out colorful flowers and lily pad-like leaves. These hardy annuals prefer a sunny spot, tolerate poor soil, and grow well in containers or trailing from raised beds. Some gardeners recommend soaking and scarifying these hard seeds for better germination, but I’ve never done that and have had total success. I encourage my nasturtium family to come back year after year by re-scattering the seeds upon pruning them back.
Hollyhock (Biennial)
Above: Photograph by Britt Willoughby Dyer for Gardenista.
Every year I grow some hollyhocks from seeds saved from last year or acquired from generous friends and family. Not to be blasé, but I generally just throw theses flat seeds about at the end of fall, all willy nilly. But I suppose the “proper” way is to sow them a week before last frost at just ¼ inch deep and about 2 feet apart. I find that hollyhocks thrive in a sunny to partly sunny spot. Too much shade and they bloom way less and lean too much. Also know that most hollyhocks are biennials, meaning the first year the plant just puts out leaves and then flowers the next year.
Iceland Poppy (Annual in Warm Climates; Perennial in Cool Climates)
Above: Photograph by Amy the Nurse via Flickr.
Differing from California poppies due to native origin, use, and flower type, Iceland poppies thrive in cool temperatures, appreciate regular water, and their papery translucent flowers are great for adding to arrangements. You can get a head start on your cutting garden by planting these seeds about four to six weeks before your average first fall frost, or in early to mid-fall in milder climates. Plant the tiny seeds in a sunny spot in well-draining soil and remember not to cover the seeds as they need light to germinate. Theses poppies can be slow to germinate, so be patient. I especially like the Champagne Bubbles mix.
Milkweed (Perennial)
Above: Photograph by Marie Viljoen.
By now I’m sure you know how critical milkweed is to the survival of the monarch butterfly as it is the only plant the caterpillars will eat. Help our winged friends and put these seeds on your late fall planting list. After the first frost, scatter seeds directly on the soil surface in a sunny, well-drained location, and then press them lightly into the soil. If the ground gets dry, lightly water the seeds. Just be sure to choose a milkweed that’s native to your area. Why? Planting non-native types of milkweed risks the health of the butterfly.
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