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Germinating Seeds

Q.How do you germinate perennial flower seeds? Do they need cold stratification?

Zone 02888 | Anonymous added on January 25, 2020 | Answered

These are the perennial flowers I would like to germinate indoors and plant in the spring after the last frost.
If you could please dumb it down for me I am only a beginner who loves nature.
1. New England Aster
2. Scarlet Monarda (bee balm)
3. Common Rue
4. Blazing Star
5. Joe-Pye Weed
6. Columbine Eastern Red

A.Answers to this queston: Add Answer
GKH_Susan
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Answered on January 26, 2020

Joe Pye weed will need cold stratification and I've included instructions below.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/joe-pye-weed/growing-joe-pye-weed.htm

See a list of other seeds needing this treatment: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/seeds/seed-stratification.htm

All the flowers you mention have a care article on this website. Just "search" for the flower. Perennials often won't bloom the first year when grown from seed and Columbine is one of those.

To sprout your seeds indoors, you can either use sprouting trays, peat pots or even egg cartons. Use fresh seed starting soil and follow directions on your seed packets for determining the depth and coverage for each strain. Keep the soil damp. Your seed packet will tell you if you need light or warmth for sprouting with each individual strain. The key is to wait until the seedlings have a strong root system before placing them in the ground in the spring.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/bee-balm/propagating-bee-balm-plants.htm

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