Seeds

Question

I have just received some Geranium, Candtuft, Achillea, Alyssum & Pansy seeds in the post which I ordered to sow now for next Summer. I am new to gardening & I thought I could sow the seeds outside in the garden now. However the packaging says to grow them inside or in a greenhouse now. I am confused as I bought them to sow outside now. Can I sow them outside now & if so how? Thank you Sarah

Answer 1

Hello, The Geranium, Candytuft and Achille can be started now as long as you are past nights with frost and your days are in the 70*’s or higher. I would start the Achille, Geranium and Candytuft in starter trays in the shade outside and transplant when they are a few inches tall. Harden off the plants by moving from shade to a sunny location once they are 4-6 weeks old then transplant where you want. The Alyssum should be able to be sown directly where you want it to grow. Just follow directions if it needs any soil covering the seeds to germinate. As for the Pansy’s I live in Southern California and sow them in the Fall for winter colour. It just depends on where you live and how hot your summers are. Good Luck.