Top 10 Fast Growing Annuals from Birds and Blooms

Birds and Blooms is wonderful magazine for gardeners. They have put together some great information about growing annuals from seed. This is the time what we’re planning for next year’s garden. The first thing author Rachael Liska says is to know what type of annual you want to grow and when to plant them.

Morning glories are easy to grow from seed. The late bloomers put on a show towards the end of summer. Photo by Doug Oster

Hardy: If your soil is workable, the seeds can go right in the ground.Or start indoors eight to 10 weeks before last frost date and transplant about a month later. (Psst! Many of the annuals in our list are hardy annuals!)

Half-hardy: Sow outdoors after threat of hard frost (below 25 degrees Fahrenheit) has ended. Or start indoors six to eight weeks before last frost date.

Tender: Place seeds in the ground after all danger of frost has passed. Or start indoors four to six weeks before last frost date.

Marigolds, sweet peas and morning glories start the list. Soon local nurseries will be setting out seed racks. Planning and purchasing now will make sure you get everything you need.

Here’s the complete list.

This video shows how some tough seeds can be planted in the winter. They will stay dormant until they are ready to sprout.