Planting perennial seeds in fall
There are some perennial seeds that can be planted in the fall to sprout the following spring. Purple coneflower like you see above is a great example of a perennial seed that does well when sown in fall. In cold-winter areas, plant seeds at the depth given on the package instructions after a killing frost but before the ground freezes.
Why plant seeds in the fall?
The goal for planting in fall is not to have your seeds germinate but to give them a period of stratification, or exposing them to cold and moist conditions. The alternating freeze and thaw of winter helps break down the seed coat and starts the growing process. Not all perennials do well with this technique, though. Check the list below for seeds you can sow in fall.
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Perennial seeds to plant in fall
- Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia fulgida
- Delphinium Delphinium elatum
- Lupine Lupinus spp. and hybrids
- Oriental poppy Papaver orientale
- Penstemon Penstemon spp. and hybrids
- Perennial geranium Geranium spp. and hybrids
- Perennial sunflower Helianthus spp. and hybrids
- Pincushion flower Scabiosa spp. and hybrids
- Prairie coneflower Ratibida spp.
- Purple coneflower Echinacea purpurea
- Wild columbine Aquilegia canadensis
