Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Germinating seeds indoors
• Method 2 of 2: Planting seeds outdoors
• Tips

Growing flowers from seeds saves money. You can germinate seeds indoors, in a pot or container, or in an open-air flower bed. The most important factors are moisture, sunlight and suitable soil. After the young plants have bloomed, they should be cared for in the same way as any other flowers.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Germinating seeds indoors

1. 1 Take a container with drainage holes. If you want to grow multiple flowers, you can purchase a container or crate that is large enough. Make sure there are drainage holes in it, as water-saturated soil adversely affects plant growth.
   • If you don't want to buy a container for houseplants, you can drill holes in the bottom of the egg carton and use it.
   • Place a rag under the container to prevent water from spilling out from under the container.
2. 2 Fill each section with a mixture of peat moss, vermiculite and perlite. Mix three different types of soil in equal proportions for a well-drained soil rich in organic materials. Fill the container ¾ full with this mixture.
3. 3 Bury in the topsoil or simply scatter seeds over the surface (depending on the type of flowers). Harder seeds should be covered with organic material such as vermiculite or peat moss, while soft seeds should be left on the soil surface. Read the directions on the seed bag to find out if they should be planted in the ground (and how deep) or left on top of the soil.
4. 4 Water the seeds. Spray the soil lightly with water. Do not water the seeds too much to wash them away. You can spray water from the palm of your hand or slowly pour it into a container from a small saucer. Be that as it may, it is necessary to moisten the soil, but do not hurt the seeds.
5. 5 Cover the container with plastic wrap. A plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid will trap moisture and help the seeds germinate. Punch a couple of holes in the top of the film to allow the plants to breathe.
   • You can also wrap the seed container in a plastic bag.
6. 6 Place the container in a warm place at home. Seeds germinate best at temperatures between 18-24 ° C. Place the container in a warm place with adequate sunlight. You can also place the container near an artificial heat source such as a refrigerator or oven.
   • Remove the container before turning on the oven, as the heat from the oven can damage the seeds.
7. 7 Temper the shoots before transplanting them outdoors. If you are going to move the seedlings outdoors, leave them outdoors in a shady place for 7-10 days. This will allow the plants to get used to temperature changes. Some flowers do not tolerate cold well and should be kept indoors.
   • The seed bag should indicate which temperatures are suitable for the given type of flowers.
   • If the flowers tolerate the cold well, the bag may indicate that they are cold-hardy.
   • Delicate flowers do not tolerate cold well and should be kept at temperatures no lower than 4 ° C.
8. 8 Transplant the young plants outside if desired. Place a small scoop 5–8 centimeters from the seedling and gently dig around it to avoid damaging the roots. Then, pull the seedling out of the pot along with the soil adhering to the roots and plant it in well-drained open ground.
   • Watch out for seedlings so that they do not die after transplanting.

Method 2 of 2: Planting seeds outdoors

1. 1 Loosen the soil before planting the seeds. Dig up the soil to a depth of 15–20 centimeters with a rake, cultivator or pitchfork. Dig up the entire flower bed and turn the soil while doing it.
   • You can also add compost to the soil to provide the flowers with nutrients.
2. 2 Spread the seeds or bury them in the ground according to the instructions provided. The seed bag should indicate how it should be planted. Soft-shelled seeds only need to be pressed lightly into the ground, while hard-shelled seeds should be completely covered with soil. Read the instructions and choose the appropriate method.
3. 3 Mark the planting site so you know where the seeds are buried. This is useful if you are planting multiple types of seeds or plants. In addition, this way you can later determine if the planted seeds have sprouted.
   • Not all seeds will produce flowers.
   • The marks will also help you avoid confusing shoots with weeds.
4. 4 Spray the flower bed lightly with water to keep the soil moist. During the seed germination stage, the soil must be constantly moist.To check if the soil is dry, apply pressure with your finger. If the surface feels dry to the touch, then you need to water the flower bed.
5. 5 Wait for the seeds to germinate. This should happen within 3-4 weeks. If no shoots emerge from the ground, it may be worth sowing new seeds.
6. 6 Water the flowers. Plants should not be watered in rainy weather. Keep the soil moist. If it hasn't rained for some time, water the flower bed to keep the topsoil 15–20 centimeters deep to stay moist.
7. 7 Prune dried flowers and leaves. Prune faded flowers to encourage further growth. Use a garden shears to cut off old or damaged petals and leaves.
8. 8 Use fertilizers if desired. Organic fertilizer will help improve the health of flowers and make them brighter. Look for a fertilizer specifically designed for your flower species and apply it to the surrounding soil. Read the attached instructions beforehand to avoid using too much fertilizer as this can kill the plants.
   • A balanced 5:10:10 fertilizer works well for a wide variety of flowers.

Tips

• The seed bags describe how to plant them and indicate the approximate germination time (usually the time after which the first shoot is expected to appear). Use these guidelines to help you sow your seeds correctly and determine if they sprout normally.