The math behind starting Hardy Annuals from seed:
AUGUST 16, 2024
I know I know, I never shut up about “plan-your-fall-garden-now-if-you-want-spring-blooms” but I do it from a place of love!
In fact, one of my first business fails was because of hardy annuals (or lack thereof):
I had a great thing going at a local business, dropping bouquets every week (they were selling out!), then suddenly, it got too hot for ranunculus and anemones to bloom, and the zinnias, basil, and dahlias hadn't started yet. I had to “pause” my bouquet drops.
By the time I was ready to start again, they had brought in someone else, who used wholesale flowers (no shade, this florist is an ARTIST) and could have bouqs reliably.
Now, I make sure I have snapdragons, foxglove, delphinium, bachelors button, and more to carry me through the awkward period of “late spring” or “early summer”
But I'll be the first to admit, this particular planting takes quite a bit of math.
So today's email is all about figuring out the WHEN!
But if you're Houston local, I've attached a pdf download at the bottom (because I already did the math for you!),
Everyone else: take out your composition notebooks and calculators - it's back to school time for us flower gardeners too!
01. Find your first frost date
Find your “First Frost Date”
lol at these flowers AFTER that crazy freeze in 2021.
OK GOOGLE, find the first frost date for [insert zip code here] - Pro tip: don't use your growing zone, there's lots of different first frost dates within the same growing zone.
In Houston, our first frost date, according to the Farmer's Almanac, is December 8.
02. Calculate your planting time
Subtract 6 weeks
In order to give plants adequate time to establish a root system, they need to be planted SIX WEEKS before the threat of frost - these 6 weeks is when they settle into their cozy winter homes.
Just because we probably WON'T have a frost on December 8, doesn't mean you should ignore this advice. Better to have over-established plants than plants that fail in an early cool snap.
In Houston, December 8th minus 6 weeks = October 27th. This is the last date you want to transplant baby plants and/or direct sow seeds.
Full disclosure, I usually aim for a little earlier - like the 2nd week of October, and you'll see that reflected in the calendar!
If you're only direct sowing (bachelors button, orlaya, corn cockle, anemone, ranunculus, poppy, and sweet pea), you can stop here!
03. Calculate your seed sowing time
Subtract 6 weeks (yes, again)
Now that you figured out when things are being planted in the soil, you need to calculate when to start seeds indoors! Typically, I allow myself 4-6 of indoor growth before transplanting outside.
October 27th minus 6 weeks - September 15. This is the date you want to start seeds that will take 6 weeks before being ready for transplant.
Honestly, this is where it gets tricky for me… some soil blocked seeds only take 3 weeks. Some seeds take AGES (I'm looking at you, delphinium and lisianthus). But starting all your Hardy Annual seeds between 9/1 and 9/15 in the Houston area, will get you in a good place to have them transplanted in the garden on time.
Shameless plug that I have a class called the Autumn Grow Along where you get to grow WITH me, and I share EXACTLY what I'm doing each month of the year September-February! Join the 30+ gardeners who are all growing with me - from Texas, to New Jersey to Australia, and never mess up this calculation!
04. Rinse and repeat
Do it all again!
Many of these varieties can also be a part of a “late winter" or “early spring” planting, but I think my brain is out of computational space for today.
However, several varieties WOULD do well with succession sowing (like stock and snapdragon) which is why you'll see multiple sowings on the calendar.
Download it now!
WOW! I really put on my third grade math teacher hat there.
Did it make sense????
I can't tell you how many books I've read about this, to STILL feel confused from time to time. That calendar is my hand drawn version, but my branding gal and I are gonna zhuzh it up (and maybe publish it in a magazine) soon!
Got questions? The question box is open every Wednesday! Want even more support? Join the course or grab a consult!
ONE LAST THING! In case you missed it, we're building a farm this fall! TBH, I first thought about selling this calendar, but it didn't feel aligned with keeping much of the education at Bungalow Blooms FREE! However, if you have any flex in your budget this month, and would like to donate to the Farm Build Campaign, you can click the link below - truly every dollar helps get us closer to a dreamy farm where all can learn, grow, and find peace.
I love growing with you!
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