In this post, we’ll explore 25 perennials that you can sow in spring, along with crucial information about their growing conditions, benefits, and care.
Echinacea (Coneflower)
Echinacea, commonly known as coneflower, is a durable perennial admired for its daisy-like, cone-shaped blooms that attract pollinators. These plants flourish in a range of soil types, provided they have good drainage. Coneflowers prefer full sun and can tolerate drought once established. Sow seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost or directly in the garden after the frost has passed. With colors ranging from deep purple to pale pink, they add flair to any garden bed.
Care Tips
Water young plants consistently until they establish.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms and maintain plant appearance.
Divide clumps every 3-4 years to promote healthy growth.
Lavender (Lavandula)
Lavender is cherished not only for its stunning purple blooms but also for its aromatic qualities. This Mediterranean native thrives in well-drained, sandy soil and abundant sunshine. Lavender can be grown from seeds, though it often takes longer to establish compared to cuttings. Seeds benefit from pre-germination treatment, such as cold stratification, to mimic their natural environment.
Care Tips
Ensure a sunny, dry location, as lavender hates wet feet.
Prune back the previous year’s growth to stimulate new growth.
Use a light mulch to protect roots during extreme temperatures.
Daylily (Hemerocallis)
Daylilies are versatile perennials that thrive in almost any soil and light conditions, though they prefer full sun to partial shade. They are exceptionally hardy and can tolerate drought once established. Daylilies bloom for a single day, but their prolific flowering and variety of colors make them a garden favorite. To plant, sow seeds indoors and transplant when seedlings are large enough.
Care Tips
Fertilize with a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
Remove spent flowers to promote new blooms and enhance garden aesthetics.
Divide plants every few years if they become crowded.
Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum)
Known for their cheerful white petals and yellow centers, Shasta daisies are a staple in cottage gardens. These perennials thrive in well-drained soil and full sun. They are excellent for attracting butterflies and make wonderful cut flowers. Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost or start indoors 6-8 weeks ahead.
Care Tips
Water regularly, especially during dry spells, to maintain vigorous growth.
After blooming, cut back stems to encourage reblooming and maintain shape.
Incorporate organic mulch to retain moisture.
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
These bright yellow flowers with dark centers are iconic in many gardens, known for their resilience and ability to attract wildlife. Black-eyed Susans thrive in sunny locations and adaptable soil conditions, making them easy to grow. Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost or start indoors 6-8 weeks prior.
Care Tips
Water regularly until established; these plants are drought-tolerant once mature.
Deadhead regularly to encourage prolonged blooming.
Divide every 2-3 years to prevent overcrowding.
Columbine (Aquilegia)
Columbines boast intricate flowers that come in various shades, including blues, pinks, and purples. They thrive in partial shade and prefer moist, well-drained soil. Seeds can be sown directly in the garden in early spring or started indoors for earlier blooms.
Care Tips
Water seedlings consistently to keep the soil moist.
After blooming, allow plants to develop seed pods for self-seeding.
Cut back foliage after the first frost to rejuvenate growth.
Peony (Paeonia)
Peonies are long-lived perennials that add grandeur to any garden with their large, fragrant blooms. While generally propagated via division, seeds can also be used, though they take several years to mature. They prefer sunny locations and well-drained soil.
Care Tips
Water regularly, but avoid wet soil; peonies dislike overly saturated conditions.
Remove spent blooms to prevent seed formation, which can detract from flowering.
Fertilize in the spring with a low-nitrogen fertilizer to promote blooms.
Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
Russian sage adds a beautiful silvery hue to your garden with its tall spikes of lavender-blue flowers. This drought-resistant perennial loves full sun and well-drained soil. Seeds can be sown indoors during late winter or directly outdoors after the last frost.
Care Tips
Trim back in spring to promote growth and flowering.
Water sparingly; Russian sage prefers to be on the dry side.
Deadhead flowers to encourage prolonged blooming.
Sedum (Stonecrop)
Sedum is a diverse group of succulents known for their resilience and ability to thrive in poor soils. Many varieties are perfect for ground cover or rock gardens. Plant seeds in spring once the danger of frost has passed and enjoy their vibrant foliage and clusters of star-shaped flowers.
Care Tips
Provide poor to moderate soil conditions and good drainage.
Avoid overhead watering; the leaves should dry quickly.
Trim back in early spring to encourage new growth.
Helenium (Sneezeweed)
Helenium is a lesser-known perennial that produces stunning daisy-like flowers ranging from yellow to red tones. They thrive in full sun and rich, well-draining soil. Seeds should be started indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost or sown outdoors after the frost has passed.
Care Tips
Keep soil evenly moist, particularly during hot summer months.
Deadhead to prolong blooming and maintain plant vigor.
Divide every few years to rejuvenate your plant’s growth.
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
With its striking red spike flowers, the cardinal flower is a go-to for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. This moisture-loving perennial thrives in partial shade and wet areas. Plant seeds in early spring or start indoors in late winter.
Care Tips
Water consistently, especially during dry spells; they prefer wet conditions.
Mulch around the base to retain soil moisture.
After flowering, allow seeds to mature and disperse for self-seeding.
Coreopsis (Tickseed)
Coreopsis features bright, cheerful flowers that bloom from early summer until fall. They thrive in a range of conditions, but full sun and well-drained soil yield the best results. Sow seeds directly in the garden once danger of frost has passed or start indoors.
Care Tips
Regular deadheading helps extend the blooming period significantly.
Tolerates drought once established; water during prolonged dry spells.
Divide every few years to maintain vigor and flowering.
Astilbe
Astilbe provides airy plumes of feathery flowers that bring elegance to any shade garden. Preferring moist, rich soil, these plants can brighten up the often-darker corners of your yard. Sow seeds indoors in late winter or directly in the garden soil in spring.
Care Tips
Water deeply to keep soil consistently moist, particularly in hot weather.
Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in early spring for optimal blooms.
Cut back spent flowers and foliage in early spring to encourage new growth.
Delphinium
Delphiniums are known for their tall, majestic spikes of blue or purple flowers. They flourish in sunny spots with rich, well-drained soil. Sow seeds indoors 6-10 weeks before the last frost or allow direct sowing after the last frost.
Care Tips
Water them consistently, especially during dry spells, to maintain growth.
Staking may be required for taller varieties to prevent bending.
Deadhead to encourage continued blooming throughout the growing season.
Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
Butterfly weed is essential for pollinator gardens, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds alike. This vibrant orange-flowered perennial loves full sun and is drought-tolerant. Seeds can be started indoors or sown directly in the garden after the last frost.
Care Tips
Allow the plant to develop its natural form without excessive pruning.
Remove dead or damaged stems to maintain health.
Water regularly during establishment, then back off to allow natural drought tolerance.
Foxglove (Digitalis)
Foxgloves are enchanting biennials that can behave like perennials in the right conditions. Their tubular flowers come in various colors and provide essential nectar for pollinators. Foxgloves do best in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Plant seeds indoors in early spring or outdoors in late spring.
Care Tips
Keep soil consistently moist, especially during the seedling stage.
Allow plants to reseed naturally for a continuous bloom cycle.
Protect the plants from strong winds due to their height.
Monarda (Bee Balm)
Bee balm is a perennial that boasts beautiful clusters of flowers in shades of red, pink, and purple. In addition to being visually stunning, it’s also a magnet for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. Start seeds indoors or sow directly after the frost.
Care Tips
Deadhead flowers to prolong blooming and encourage bushier growth.
Water consistently during extreme heat to avoid wilting.
Divide plants every 2-3 years to prevent overcrowding.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow is a hardy perennial known for its feathery foliage and clusters of small flowers. It thrives in poor, well-drained soil and can handle drought conditions. This adaptable plant can be sown directly in the garden after the last frost or started indoors prior.
Care Tips
Water sparingly; yarrow is drought-tolerant once established.
Trim back faded blooms to promote new flowers.
Divide every three years to rejuvenate plant growth.
Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus)
Sweet William adds a touch of old-fashioned charm to your garden with its fragrant, colorful blooms. A favorite for cutting gardens, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Seeds can go directly into the garden after the last frost or be started indoors.
Care Tips
Water consistently during dry spells.
Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming throughout summer.
Leave some flowers to self-seed for next season’s blooms.
Phlox
Phlox is loved for its vibrant clusters of flowers, which are available in various colors. These plants thrive in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Phlox can be started from seed indoors or sown outside after the last frost.
Care Tips
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth.
Cut back in late fall to maintain a tidy look in winter.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus offers huge, tropical blooms that can brighten any garden area. They thrive in full sun and moist, fertile soil. Seeds can be sown indoors in spring or directly outdoors after frost.
Care Tips
Maintain consistent soil moisture throughout the growing season.
Fertilize with a high-phosphorus fertilizer for vibrant blooms.
Prune spent blooms to encourage additional flowering.
Salvia (Sage)
Salvia is a tough and attractive perennial that produces spikes of colorful flowers. It enjoys full sun and well-drained soil, making it suitable for various garden styles. Sow seeds directly outdoors or start them indoors in spring.
Care Tips
Deadhead to promote more blooms throughout the season.
Water young plants regularly until established.
Divide every few years to maintain size and blooming efficiency.
Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis)
Bleeding hearts feature delicate, heart-shaped flowers that dangle from arching stems. They thrive in partial to full shade and prefer rich, moist soils. Plant seeds indoors during late winter or early spring.
Care Tips
Keep the soil consistently moist to mimic its native woodland environment.
Allow the plant to die back naturally in fall; cut back foliage in spring.
Fertilize lightly with a balanced fertilizer in early spring.
Oriental Poppy (Papaver orientale)
Oriental poppies are known for their stunning, large blooms. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. These bold flowers are best grown from seeds started indoors before the last frost as they can be slow to germinate.
Care Tips
Water plants during dry spells to keep them healthy.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage a second bloom.
Protect young plants from strong winds due to their delicate structure.
Clematis
Clematis is a climbing perennial that adds vertical interest to gardens. Ranging from late spring to fall, these flowering vines can be found in various colors. They prefer full sun with their roots in shade and need well-drained soil. Sow seeds indoors or transplant young plants outdoors after the last frost.
Care Tips
Provide a trellis or support for the clematis to climb.
Water deeply to encourage root development.
Prune as needed based on the specific variety to maintain desired shape.
