Gardeners who sow hardy annuals before the end of summer can expect earlier, stronger blooms next year, according to BBC Gardeners' World. The advice is to act before autumn arrives, as seeds germinate while the soil is still warm, allowing root systems to establish underground before winter cold sets in - something spring planting does not achieve.
Earlier and sturdier blooms
If done properly, sowing hardy annuals now gives plants that bloom weeks earlier than spring-sown ones, bridging the gap between spring and summer bulbs and keeping gardens more consistently flowery. Overwintered plants also tend to grow chunkier and more resilient, with sturdier stems and a better appearance.
An added bonus is that this practice takes some pressure off the usual spring gardening tasks.
What to sow and how
Cornflowers, with their rich blue or pink blooms, are a classic choice, as are Love-in-a-mist's delicate flowers and seed pods, California poppies' silky texture, and marigolds, which flower for an extended period. For height and structure, larkspur produces tall, colourful spikes that stand out among other flowers.
The process is simple. Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil, clear the area of weeds, and rake it to a fine, crumbly texture that allows seedlings to push through without major clumps. Scatter seeds thinly directly onto the soil by tipping them into your hand and sowing in small pinches, following the spacing guidance for each flower type. For some varieties, gently press seeds into the soil and cover with a thin layer of fine compost or soil, or leave them exposed.
Water seedlings gently and consistently, keeping them damp until thin green shoots appear above ground. The result is strong blooms when next summer arrives.
