Fall Planting: Sow Hardy Annuals in Fall

Although these plants can be seeded outdoors in spring, the extra early start they get from fall planting makes them larger and freer blooming. There are other benefits from fall planting. Normally soils are drier and more easily prepared. There is not the abundance of garden work that faces the gardener in spring, so there is more time for planting. Weeds do not germinate and grow as rapidly in fall so the seedlings have less competition.

Two popular garden flowers that benefit most from fall seeding are larkspur and bachelor button (also known as cornflower). Spikes of larkspur are useful for cut flowers and drying. Since they grow about four feet tall, they provide a good garden background. The cornflower grows about two feet tall and makes a bushy plant . Both larkspur and cornflowers are available in shades of blue, pink, and white that blend well together.

Almost all poppies benefit from fall seeding. The Shirley poppies provide beautiful single and double flowers in late spring. Colors are mainly red, pink, and white. Other poppies for fall seeding are the Iceland poppy and Oriental poppy which are perennial plants. The California poppy can also be seeded in fall. Its flowers are in shades of yellow and orange. It is a low plant, suitable for edging. Another plant for fall seeding is the Calliopsis, which forms a two-foot bushy plant. Flowers are single, daisy-like, and yellow with a bronze center. Once established it reseeds yearly.

An everlasting flower which can be dried like strawflowers but fall-planted is the xeranthemum. Flowers are single and in shades of lavender and white. Pansies may also be seeded directly in the garden but need good winter protection. The small-flowered Johnny jump-ups are more hardy and can be better used for direct fall seeding. Prepare the area well for the fall-seeded flowers. Add liberal amounts of organic matter and a small amount of general purpose garden fertilizer, just as you would in the preparation of the spring garden.

Clean out all weeds, and dig the soil deeply. Make a fine seed bed, and plant the seeds about ¼ inch deep, except for poppies which have very fine seeds that may simply be scattered on the surface. Use a hoe or board to lightly firm the soil where the seeds have been planted. Many seeds will germinate and grow this fall but others will not germinate until early spring. Seedlings will benefit from the early spring rains that often prevent spring planting in the garden.

While most weeds will not be a problem, a few such as chickweed and henbit will germinate this fall and compete with the flower seedlings. Watch for them, and remove them as they develop. Mark the seedbed rows well, and place a thick layer of straw or other mulch between them to keep down weeds. About the end of November pull some of the mulch into the rows and over the young plants. This will provide winter protection. In spring it should be taken away from the seedlings.

The Pocket book: In a fall garden, by David Cooper.