Basic flower seed guide

What is a seed anyway?

Seeds are the mature ovules of a plant. A seed contains an embryo from which a new plant will grow under proper conditions. Seeds contain a supply of stored food and the genetic material that will cause it to grow similar to its parent plant. Seeds are produced in the ovary of a flower when pollination has taken place. Some flowers produce thousands of seeds, while others produce much fewer.

Types of seeds

Seeds are classified according to their bloom frequency, life span, and type of flower produced.

• Annual seeds, once planted, have a life span of one year. That means that they need to be replanted each year. Some annuals can reseed themselves in warmer climates. Examples of flowers that have annual seeds are Alyssum, marigolds, poppies, nasturtiums, zinnias, and morning glories.

• Perennials only need be planted once, as flowers come back year after year. Most types of perennial seeds tend to be more expensive because of this. Examples of perennials include Black Eyed Susan, Hollyhocks, and Shasta Daisies.

• Biennials have a life span of two years. Typically, these flowers will grow during the first year and bloom in the second year. Examples include Forget-Me-Nots, Evening Primrose, and Sweet William.

When planting a flower garden, many opt to plant a mixture of annuals, perennials, and biennials.

Soil Conditions

Pay attention to the soil needs of each type of flower seed. Most flowers prefer rich, well-drained soil. Avoid planting flowers where there is standing water after rains. Please note, however, that some types of flowers grow well in boggy conditions or in poor soil, such as cornflower. On the other hand, some seeds only flourish in nutrient-rich soil.

Planting depth

Flower seeds also have different requirements when it comes to the depth in which they are planted. For example, sunflowers should be planted 1/4-inch in the soil, while zinnias should be planted 1/16-inch under the soil. Some kinds of seed can be placed right on top of the soil.

The correct spacing between seeds is also crucial. For example, allow 6-8 inches between pansies and 18 inches between tall varieties of marigolds. Proper seed spacing ensures that your flowers aren’t too close together or too far apart.

Let there be light

The only thing as important as providing the right soil conditions for seeds, is ensuring they receive the proper amount of light. Many flowers prefer a sunny location. Others, such as pansies, prefer part shade. If your flowers don't get enough light they may fail to bloom. And if you place a shade-preferring flower in direct sunlight, it may wilt or become scorched.

H2O

Water breathes life into seeds. Just like people, flowers cannot live without proper amounts of water. Most types of flowers need to be watered regularly; however, some types of flowers prefer a drier soil, while others prefer constant moisture.

Multiple Uses

There are many uses for flower seeds other than planting. Because of their variety of color, size, and shape, many find them useful in arts and crafts projects. Oftentimes, children use them in school projects. There are several edible seeds as well, such as the sunflower seed. Animals such as squirrels, chipmunks, and birds feast on them too.