Do any of you start perennials in mid summer for blooms next year?
I'm going to start some lupine, because they germinate fast and like cool temps, so should have plenty of time to establish roots before spring.


I've got some Columbine seeds that I've kept in the fridge for many months that I never got a chance to start this spring, but they take a long time to germinate and Im not sure its worth trying this late since instructions say up to 30 days for germination.

What are you starting in fall rather than spring?

I am considering starting columbine since this is when it would natural self sow. Also ornamental alliums.

LorettaNJ said:I am considering starting columbine since this is when it would natural self sow. Also ornamental alliums.

Have you tried the allium seeds before? Do they work?

Yes, they do. They are very grassy at first so you can sow them together in a pot and have some patience before you separate them.

I'm starting some Echinacea, Thyme and Asclepias. They grow really fast during the long summer days.

Columbine should be fine to sow now. I winter sowed mine but won't put it in the ground until September after frost. Perennials will continue to grow roots until the ground freezes.

I'm starting some tall foxglove seeds, I've started other seeds too, but some of them are being eaten by something, they disappeared from me.