Top Perennial Seeds to Plant in Fall

Perennial Seed That Does Best When Planted in Fall

Like the vibrant colors of summer start to fade and the crisp air of autumn settles in, gardeners often turn their attention to planting for the following spring. While many associate spring with planting, fall is an excellent time to get a head start on next year's garden.

Planting perennial seeds in the fall is an innovative and rewarding strategy, allowing you to enjoy a burst of color and beauty when spring arrives. This comprehensive guide will explore the best perennial seeds to plant in the fall, offering various options for different climates and preferences. By the time you finish reading, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to create a stunning perennial garden that will return year after year.

Why Plant Perennials in the Fall?

Before delving into the best perennial seeds for fall planting, it's essential to understand why this season is an ideal time to sow these seeds.

There are several compelling reasons: Soil Temperature: In the fall, the soil is still warm from the summer sun, promoting good germination. This warmth allows perennial seeds to establish robust root systems before winter dormancy.

  • Cooler Weather: Fall offers milder temperatures compared to the scorching heat of summer. This reduces stress on emerging seedlings, preventing heat-related issues like wilting and sunburn.
  • Moisture Levels: Fall often brings consistent rainfall, creating optimal moisture conditions for seed germination and early growth.
  • Reduced Weed Competition: Fall planting means less competition from annual weeds, giving perennial seedlings a better chance to establish themselves without interference.

Springtime Blooms: By planting in the fall, you're setting the stage for vibrant springtime blooms that will dazzle your garden. Now that we've established why fall is an excellent time to plant perennial seeds let's explore some of the best choices for your garden.

Lavender (Lavandula spp.) Lavender is a beloved perennial known for its fragrant, silvery-gray foliage and vibrant purple, pink, or white flowers. Autumn is an ideal time to plant lavender seeds because they require a cold stratification period to break dormancy. The cool winter temperatures will naturally fulfill this requirement, ensuring healthy spring growth.

Lavender-drained soil and full sun make it a perfect Mediterranean garden addition. Coneflower (Echinacea spp.) Coneflowers are native to North America and are cherished for their daisy-like blooms with prominent, cone-shaped centers. Fall planting gives coneflower seeds the necessary cold period to germinate successfully. These hardy perennials attract pollinators and come in various colors, including purple, pink, and white. They prefer full sun to light shade and well-drained soil.

Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) Black-eyed Susans are famous for their cheerful yellow or orange petals and distinctive dark centers. These hardy perennials thrive in fall planting conditions, producing abundant blooms in the following spring and summer. They are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, making them an excellent choice for novice gardeners.

Columbine (Aquilegia spp.) Columbines are known for their unique, spurred flowers in many colors, including blue, purple, pink, and white. That perennials self-sow readily, but starting them from seeds in the fall allows you to select specific varieties. Columbines prefer partial shade and well-draining soil.

Blanket Flower (Gaillardia spp.) Blanket flowers are known for striking red and yellow daisy-like blooms resembling colorful blankets. Fall planting is ideal for blanket flower seeds as they require a period of cold stratification. These perennials are drought-tolerant and thrive in full sun, making them suitable for xeriscape gardens.

Siberian Iris (Iris sibirica) Siberian irises are elegant perennials with slender, grass-like foliage and delicate, iris-like flowers in shades of blue, purple, white, and pink. Planting their seeds in the fall allows them to establish strong roots before winter, resulting in a robust display of blooms in late spring to early summer. They thrive in moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate light shade.

Hosta (Hosta spp.) Hostas are renowned for their lush foliage in various shades of green, blue, and variegated patterns. Fall planting of hosta seeds gives them ample time to develop robust root systems for the upcoming growing season. These perennials are shade-loving and thrive in rich, well-moistened soil.

Daylily (Hemerocallis spp.) Daylilies are hardy perennials that produce a profusion of colorful, trumpet-shaped blooms. Planting daylily seeds in the fall allows them to establish a solid root system, ensuring healthy growth. They are versatile plants that can thrive in all sun to partial shade and are adaptable to various soil types.

Milkweed (Asclepias spp.) Milkweed is a critical plant for supporting monarch butterflies and other pollinators. Fall planting of milkweed seeds provides a cold stratification period and helps create habitats for these essential insects.

Milkweed prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Bee Balm (Monarda spp.) Bee balm, also known as the wild bergamot, is a native perennial that attracts pollinators with its vibrant, tubular red, pink, purple, and white flowers. Planting bee balm seeds in the fall allows them to develop strong root systems for robust growth. They prosper in abundant sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

Conclusion

Fall is a fantastic time to sow perennial seeds, setting the stage for a colorful and vibrant garden in the coming spring and summer. The best perennial seeds to plant in the fall include various options, from the fragrant lavender to the cheerful black-eyed Susan.

By understanding the specific requirements of each perennial and providing the right growing conditions, you could enjoy a garden that returns year after year with minimal effort. When planning your fall perennial planting, consider factors such as soil type, sunlight availability, and water requirements to ensure the success of your chosen varieties. Additionally, remember to prepare your garden bed by removing weeds and improving soil quality, as healthy soil is essential for strong root development and overall plant health. With the right perennial seeds and proper care, you can make a stunning and low-maintenance garden that brings joy and pretty to your outdoor space for years to come.

So, embrace the fall planting season and watch your garden flourish in the seasons ahead. Happy gardening!

 

Best Sellers

Black Eyed Susan - TN Nursery

Black Eyed Susan

Black Eyed Susan has vibrant yellow petals and dark, contrasting centers and is a popular and delightful addition to any landscaping project. This native North American wildflower offers a host of pleasing attributes that make it a sought-after choice for gardens and outdoor spaces. From its adaptability to its visual appeal and ecological benefits, it stands out as a versatile and attractive plant. Why Choose Black-Eyed Susan The Black-Eyed Susan or Rudbeckia Hirta is a beautiful and popular flower that blooms each year in North America. With yellow flowers surrounding a dark circular center, this plant serves an aesthetic purpose in any landscape and draws in bees and butterflies. Due to its hardiness and versatility, the plant is suitable for growing in the garden for beginners and professionals.  The Black Eyed Susan is valued for ornamental purposes and its contribution to the maintenance of ecosystems. Moreover, black-eyed susan plants for sale have stunning flowers that can be added to your garden for curb appeal. Features of Black Eyed Susan Plant The Black-Eyed Susan has bright yellow petals with a dark brown or black Eye in the middle, which makes it a vivid plant that would look great in any garden.  This plant attracts bees, butterflies, and many other beneficial insects, so it should be included in any pollinator garden. The black-eyed susan plant is relatively adaptable. It does well in arid conditions and simple soil types, making it a perfect pick for any low-maintenance garden. It prefers regions receiving full or partial sun exposure. It has a growth habit of 2 to 3 feet tall with a similar width, enhancing the green appearance of areas where it is grown. This plant does not need much attention once established and usually grows well. It is relatively immune to many garden pests and diseases. Growers of black-eyed susan plants can also contribute to habitat and care for one's patch of land by offering food for pollinators and other more valuable insects. Black Eyed Susan Perennials Returns Every Spring and Summer Season Buy black-eyed susan plants and add these beautiful flowers to your garden, like our other popular ornamental plants, such as echinacea, shasta daisy, or coneflower plants.

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Columbine Plant

Columbine Plant

The Eastern Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) is a perennial known for its bold red and yellow flowers, which look like hanging lanterns. Its unique shape and vibrant colors make it a favorite of pollinators such as hummingbirds and butterflies. The plant brings life and beauty to any landscape. If you want to add a splash of color to indoor or outdoor spaces, the Columbine Plant is worth buying. It is relatively small, so you can put it anywhere on your property without crowding other shrubs or trees. It tends to grow in clumps, meaning you can get multiple flowers and stems from a single seed or group of seeds. It will typically grow to about one to three feet in height. The flowers it produces can be almost any color, depending on the exact species that you happen to have. Standard colors include blue, pink, and yellow; in some cases, you may see multiple colors from the same one. Attract Various Animals With Columbine Plant One of the critical benefits of planting this item in your garden is that it can attract deer, rabbits, and other forms of wildlife. However, they tend to be most attractive to deer or rabbits looking for food. Fortunately, they tend to resist these creatures, which means you can enjoy the scenery without worrying about having to relocate or replant your flowers. You will also notice that it is attractive to pollinators such as bees or hummingbirds. Ultimately, you can help other flowers in your yard or nearby areas thrive while having something fascinating to look at when you're outside each day. Columbine Plant Does Well In Cold Weather The growth cycle of it tends to be a relatively short one. Therefore, you will notice the rush of color in your garden and wherever you decide to put it. As they generally do well in cold weather, you can put them out almost whenever you want without ruining them. The Columbine Plant Produces Seeds Quickly A final benefit to buying Columbine Plant is that it creates new seeds quickly on its own. Therefore, you may notice multiple shoots on your property without investing much time and money.  

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Blanket Flower - TN Nursery

Blanket Flower

Blanket Flower is a perennial wildflower known for its vibrant, daisy-like blooms with red or yellow petals and dark center disks. Often found in prairies and gardens, it attracts pollinators and adds color to landscapes. This plant is the perfect choice when craving warmth. This radiant wildflower with an extended blooming season will light up your garden with a kaleidoscope of glowing colors. Why Choose The Blanket Flower Blanket Flower, or Gaillardia, is a sun-loving perennial with stunning two-toned daisy-like blooms. The name "Blanket Flower" interestingly comes from its warm yet vibrant red and yellow blooms, which are similar to the blankets Native Americans make.  This wildflower plant belongs to the Asteraceae (daisy) family and is native to North and South America. It is commonly found in Arizona, California, Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, and Colorado. Blanket Flowers Resembles Daisy Perennials While it may resemble a daisy, blanket flowers are related to sunflowers and brighten up the dullest landscapes. The plant is usually paired with other drought-tolerant plants and showy grass to enhance the visual interest of the entire landscape. Moreover, blanket flowers for sale come in various warm shades and a few fabulous shades, making them a statement piece in the garden. Features of Blanket Flower Plant The plant grows best in total sun exposure, sandy areas, and poor soil. The poorer the soil, the more blooms it will grow.  The blanket flower features blooms in various colors, such as orange, purple, red, yellow, and White. Depending on the season, the foliage can be either blue-green or gray-silver.  This ornamental plant can reach 1-3 feet in height and 1-2 feet in width. Water the plant every other day during the first growing period until you see flowers. Once established, it's easy to care for and does not require regular watering to stay alive.  The Blanket flower is ecosystem booster, so it love pollinators, birds, and other wildlife Though people with sensitive skin may experience skin irritation, the plant is non-toxic to humans and animals. This vibrant perennial pairs well with low-maintenance and drought-tolerant perennials, like Butterfly Weed, Yarrow, and Daylily. So, along with blanket flower plants for sale, check out other companion plants at T.N. Nursery. 

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Siberian Iris - TN Nursery

Siberian Iris

Siberian Iris is a hardy purple and white blooming perennial plant known for its elegant, slender, and vibrant flowers. It is a popular choice for garden borders and water features. It is a versatile and captivating addition to landscaping projects, offering many benefits beyond any potential herbal uses. This perennial flowering plant brings aesthetic and functional advantages to outdoor spaces, making it a popular choice among landscape designers. The Siberian iris, also known as the iris sibirica and the Siberia flag, is a stunning addition to your flower garden. These memorable plants are recognized for their coloring and pleasant smell, which can be compared to that of violets and freesias. Incorporating them into your landscaping comes with several impressive benefits related to their beauty, significance, and functionality in and out of the home. Siberian Iris Has Gorgeous Flowers This easy-to-grow plant features long, bluish-green leaves along with bluish-purple flowers. The flowers have long, draping petals that perfectly contrast the slender, pointed leaves. The inner portion of the petals is fascinating, with a combination of yellow, white, and brown elements arranged in a lovely pattern. Numerous blooms grow on each plant seasonally, adding a vibrant, eye-catching hue to enjoy in your garden throughout spring. Siberian Iris Offers Home Decor They are also the perfect addition to your home decor. Their healthy, strong stems make them ideal for cutting at the bud stage through the flowering stage and adding to a tall vase. Their smooth fragrance and lovely coloring add a unique charm to your home and are perfect for use as a seasonal focal point. Siberian Iris Is Notable in Culture Siberian Iris is named after the rainbow goddess in Greek mythology, which is an apt name given its vivid and fascinating petals. For centuries, royalty have used them to symbolize their families' significance in countries worldwide. In addition, the French fleur-do-lis symbol is derived from this flower. Because of these cultural significances, they add a regal touch to your yard. While many species have distinctive characteristics you can add to your landscaping; this species stands out with its unique coloring and other traits. The plant grows in clumps that stand up to two feet tall at maturity and can grow up to 20 flowers per plant. Because of their characteristics, the plants make a great addition as a property line division and a flower garden border.

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