Sow These Flowers Now: They Will Bloom Two Weeks Earlier in Spring

Do you want your garden to burst with vibrant colors in spring? Sow flower seeds in October directly into the open ground! This will not only save you time in spring but also allow the plants to better adapt to the conditions. We explain which flowers can be sown in October.

Sowing flowers in autumn is a method that utilizes the natural rhythm of nature. The annual plants that you sow in October will winter in a dormant state, and in spring, when conditions become favorable, they will start to grow faster. This gives them an advantage over those sown in spring – they are already waiting in the soil, ready for the first warm days!

In autumn, the soil is still warmed by the summer sun, but the cool nights signal to the plants that it is time to prepare for winter dormancy. This allows the seeds to settle into the soil, acclimatize to the new conditions, and absorb natural moisture. In spring, as soon as the ground warms up, the seeds will immediately begin to germinate and grow faster and stronger.

Autumn sowing means not only faster blooming but also that the plants are more resistant to spring frosts, as they are "hardened" by the cold from the very beginning. Such plants outpace those sown in spring, bloom earlier, last longer in the flowerbeds, and beautify your garden much faster.

Thus, you will not only save time but also enjoy more vibrant colors, as the plants will have more energy for blooming, allowing you to enjoy a garden full of flowers while others are just beginning to plant their spring seeds.

Which Flowers Are Best to Sow in October

Not all flowers are suitable for autumn sowing. In October, it is best to sow cold-resistant plants that can survive the winter in a dormant state and quickly resume growth in spring.

Here are some flower options worth sowing in October:

• Calendula – a classic annual whose flowers will energize any flowerbed.
• Delphinium – their elegant inflorescences attract attention.
• Lobularia maritima – small fragrant flowers are perfect for flowerbeds and rockeries.
• Iberis – an excellent border plant that blooms with rich white flowers.
• Gypsophila – light, delicate, perfect for complementing bouquets and flowerbeds.
• Forget-me-not – a symbolic plant whose blue flowers are a sign of spring.
• Cornflower – will add beautiful blue accents to your garden, characteristic of colorful meadows.
• California poppy – delights with its intensely orange flowers, adding sunny brightness to your garden.
• Marigolds – these bright and hardy flowers will decorate your garden with their orange, yellow, and brown shades. They bloom abundantly and for a long time, pleasing the eye until the first frosts.
• Asters – these delicate flowers will delight you with their diverse shades – from white and pink to purple and blue. Asters bloom abundantly and for a long time, creating an atmosphere of coziness and beauty.
• Nasturtiums – these bright and cheerful flowers will adorn your garden with their red, orange, and yellow shades. Nasturtiums bloom abundantly and for a long time, delighting the eye with their vibrant colors.
• Cosmos – this flower is also known as the Mexican aster. Cosmos features large bright flowers and lacy leaves. Prefers sunny spots and light soil.
• Godetia – this annual is characterized by large bright flowers and decorative leaves. Godetia prefers sunny spots and light, fertile soil.
• Clarkia – another bright annual that blooms from June to September. Clarkia prefers sunny spots and light, well-drained soil.
• Lavatera – this flower features large bright flowers and decorative leaves. Lavatera prefers sunny spots and light, fertile soil.

You can experiment and try to sow any annual flowers from seeds in October in open ground for the winter. Remember that the success of sowing largely depends on weather conditions and seed quality.

How to Sow Flowers in October

Before you start sowing, be sure to prepare the bed properly. Here are the steps to follow:

• Remove old plants and weeds – get rid of remnants of flowering plants and perennial weeds.
• Loosen the soil – you don’t need to dig the soil, just gently loosen it with a hoe and break up all the large clumps. Then rake the surface to achieve an even texture.
• Do not apply fertilizers – do not apply fertilizers in autumn to avoid stimulating plant growth before winter.
• Seed sowing – sow seeds in rows, making furrows with a hoe or evenly distributing them across the surface of the bed.
• Covering seeds – after sowing, gently cover the seeds with soil and rake.
• After the first frosts, it is advisable to cover the beds, for example, with fir branches. If the autumn is exceptionally warm and prolonged, there is a risk that some plants will germinate before winter arrives. In this case, it is especially important to use agrotextiles or straw to protect young shoots from frost.
• In spring, when the seedlings appear, thin them out, leaving the spacing between plants as indicated on the packaging. Ensure regular watering and feeding of the flowers.

Remember that the success of sowing depends on choosing the right seeds, preparing the soil, and following care recommendations. By following these tips, you will be able to enjoy the beauty of flowers by next spring!