I haven’t ordered seeds yet, but have many post-its sticking out of many catalogs! I’d be interested to know what everyone is most excited about ordering this year. Are you trying anything new? I’m going to add globe amaranth to my batch of annuals, after seeing a friends success with them. I like the thought of drying them along with straw flowers, which I’ll be growing again.
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Hey there Chloe! I am the Mountain West moderator, but yes! I did order a couple of packets of Lauren's Grape poppy seeds, and they will get tossed out in the garden in a couple of days. And. like you, I also have a zillion of the post-it tabs sticking out of all the garden catalogs. If it warms up a bit this weekend, I will go through the existing seed inventory and finalize the orders.
Hi Maryanne, I'm envious that you're ready to sow! Well, I could scatter some spring seed, but still wouldn't see anything for months. You've inspired me to take another look at the poppy seed offerings. Our spring is often so short and warm that poppies don't always last long. Do you get a long stretch of cool weather where you are?
Don't be envious! Our last frost date is WAY OUT: May 10. Our cold weather in the high desert go from November to the end of April/first of May. So I won't be out there doing much until mid March except some cleanup. And watching the spring bulbs come up.
I toss the poppy seeds out now to vernalize them for better blooms. Oriental poppies will be in full bloom mid-late May. These are P. somniferum, so they should be a bit later, maybe on the first of June.
I have so many seeds already that I need to test for viability and start... But yes, I have multiple shopping carts going at a few different seed companies, and am just waiting for pay day! 😂
Is there anything you're particularly excited about ordering?
I'm trying winter sowing in milk jugs for the first time this year and bought myself some seeds for Christmas. Mostly perennials, and trying to stay with natives and pollinator friendly plants, so I got milkweed, agastache, echinacea, rudbeckia, monarda, aster, and some annuals like zinnia and gomphrena. I sowed my first batch around Christmas day, and already have a few sprouts! I also just purchased a big bag of 80 liatris bulbs from Costco, and am counting the days til spring planting.
I'm a big fan of winter sowing. It's a great way to get lots of plants with minimal effort. I love setting and forgetting containers outside and checking them for life in spring! Your perennial selections are ideal candidates. Are you planning on potting up your seedlings to grow them on, or doing the clump o' seedlings method of direct planting?
Direct planting, as I have a large empty bed that needs filling. I figure that getting some flowers in will help to prevent weeds from taking over.