Your Guide to Direct Sowing Flowers

[{"selector":"#anim-6ee0dbff-ee2a-4ef2-883a-25a1379271df","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":250,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-11ae785b-3487-4258-8683-826c63619881","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":500,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Floral Separator By stacy ling Gardening Tips & Tricks Learn more

Skip the fuss of seedlings! This guide unlocks the secrets of direct sowing flowers for a thriving, low-maintenance garden. Learn when, what, and how to plant for beautiful blooms.

[{"selector":"#anim-a3d55738-af3e-4ea8-9e0e-9154dc4e1117 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(13.5036496350365%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":4000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-dbbaa27a-ada1-4248-b366-a7e67daf8a8c","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":300,"duration":1000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}]

Timing Wait until all danger of frost has passed, typically 2-3 weeks after the last frost date to be safe. Aim for a soil temperature of above 60 degrees for optimal germination. If you aren’t sure how warm your soil is, you can use a soil thermometer.

[{"selector":"#anim-274354c5-33be-4d1c-8a2f-a27207eb981f [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(9.909909909909908%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":4000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]

Gather supplies All you need are some seeds! I recommend purchasing seeds from a high quality grower like Johnny's Selected Seeds, Renee's Garden, or Floret Flower Farm. But your local nursery will have them too.

[{"selector":"#anim-27cb9a64-1715-445c-a8bf-97863ee15f01 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(9.909909909909908%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":4000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Floral Separator

Preparing the Soil Start with a weed-free area with loose soil that drains well. Remove any weeds or debris, and loosen the top few inches of soil with a rake or garden fork.

[{"selector":"#anim-edd19bb8-e425-4dfa-a111-845b9f77f34e [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":4000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

Depth and Spacing Check your seed packets for instructions about how deep to sow the seeds and how much space to leave between them. Larger seeds usually need to be covered with soil or vermiculite, while very fine seeds can often be lightly sprinkled on the surface.

[{"selector":"#anim-bb38382c-194d-42b3-89d3-9370c762bc8a [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":4000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

Watering Keep the soil evenly moist (but not soggy) while the seeds germinate and seedlings get established. A gentle watering can or misting nozzle is best at first to avoid dislodging delicate seeds.

[{"selector":"#anim-e6766a8b-b799-4213-96b9-e437946759e1 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":4000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

Thinning Once seedlings sprout, you may need to thin them out to the spacing recommended on the seed packet to give them room to grow. This can feel counterintuitive, but it makes for healthier plants!

[{"selector":"#anim-a20ebc62-4aec-4a4f-b1dc-148c846c2509 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(9.909909909909908%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":4000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Floral Separator

Follow along to learn more about direct sowing flowers.

[{"selector":"#anim-892d2bbe-040e-4d7c-9961-0006246957e6","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":250,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Floral Separator Gardening Tips & Tricks Learn more

Get more home, garden and entertaining ideas delivered straight to your inbox!

[{"selector":"#anim-576e2964-6161-450b-b36c-167ad30e2d6c","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":250,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Floral Separator Gardening Tips & Tricks Stay Connected

Learn my easy care approach to growing flowers no matter what size garden you have.

[{"selector":"#anim-49880e91-f557-457b-8610-3f3e0722d220","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":250,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-0a40d1b9-d7f5-41b2-93e7-5748da2249d6","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":250,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-c8ae1453-48bf-469d-af31-e41fb2608240","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":750,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Floral Frame Flower Gardening Made Simple Learn more