Growing flowers from seed is a rewarding and cost-effective way to fill your garden with color and fragrance. Below is a Flowerbee Hong Kong flower shop guide to help you successfully start popular flower varieties from seed.
1. Choosing Your Seeds
Select flower varieties suited to your climate and garden conditions (sun, shade, soil type). Some flowers are easy to grow directly in the garden, while others need indoor starting.
2. Seed-Starting Methods
- Direct Sowing: Seeds are planted directly in the garden after the last frost. Best for hardy and fast-growing flowers.
- Indoor Starting: Seeds are started in trays or pots indoors 6-8 weeks before transplanting outdoors. Ideal for slow-growing or delicate varieties.
- Winter Sowing: Seeds are planted in containers outdoors during winter, allowing natural stratification. Good for perennials needing cold exposure.
3. Common Flower Varieties and Their Requirements
| Flower | Start Method | Light Requirement | Soil Type | Germination Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marigold | Direct sow or indoors | Full sun | Well-drained | 5-7 days | Easy to grow, great for borders |
| Zinnia | Direct sow or indoors | Full sun | Loamy, well-drained | 5-10 days | Attracts pollinators |
| Sunflower | Direct sow | Full sun | Average, well-drained | 7-14 days | Tall varieties need staking |
| Petunia | Indoors | Full sun to partial shade | Rich, well-drained | 10-14 days | Small seeds, needs light to germinate |
| Cosmos | Direct sow or indoors | Full sun | Poor to average soil | 7-10 days | Drought-tolerant, self-seeds easily |
| Pansy | Indoors | Partial sun | Moist, well-drained | 10-20 days | Prefers cooler temperatures |
| Lupine | Direct sow | Full sun to partial shade | Sandy, well-drained | 14-30 days | Needs stratification for best germination |
| Lavender | Indoors | Full sun | Sandy, well-drained | 14-28 days | Slow to germinate, requires patience |
| Snapdragon | Indoors | Full sun to partial shade | Rich, well-drained | 10-21 days | Can tolerate light frost |
| Sweet Pea | Direct sow | Full sun | Fertile, well-drained | 10-14 days | Soak seeds overnight before planting |
4. General Steps for Seed Starting
- Prepare the Soil: Use well-draining potting mix for indoor starting or loosen garden soil before direct sowing.
- Plant at the Right Depth: Follow seed packet instructions for proper depth—most should be planted twice as deep as the seed’s size.
- Keep Moist but Not Soggy: Water gently to prevent washing away small seeds. Maintain consistent moisture.
- Provide Light: Indoor seedlings need grow lights or a bright windowsill for 12-16 hours daily.
- Harden Off: Gradually expose indoor seedlings to outdoor conditions before transplanting.
- Thin Seedlings: Once seedlings grow a few inches tall, thin them to recommended spacing for better air circulation.
5. Additional Tips for Success
- Use Seed Trays with Domes: Helps retain moisture during germination.
- Label Your Seeds: Avoid mix-ups by marking each tray or row.
- Fertilize Wisely: Start with diluted liquid fertilizer once true leaves appear.
- Watch for Pests: Protect young seedlings from slugs, aphids, and fungal diseases.
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a vibrant garden full of beautiful blooms from seed!
