For gardeners, few things bring as much joy as the sound of fresh seed packets. Seeding time signals the arrival of spring and summer, but starting your flowers correctly is key to ensuring healthy blooms. In an exclusive interview with House Digest, flower farmer and gardener Sam Arthurs shared insights on whether seeds should be started indoors or outdoors.
According to Arthurs, the decision depends on various factors. “There’s no one-size-fits-all answer,” she said. “Some flowers do better when directly seeded, while others benefit from being started indoors. It really comes down to the type of flowers and your environment.”
Understanding each flower’s care needs and outdoor conditions will help you decide what works best. Some flowers can be grown using either method, but knowing the pros and cons of indoor versus direct sowing is crucial for success. Here’s what Arthurs recommends based on flower types and growing techniques.
Flower Types and Environmental Factors Matter
In the interview, Arthurs emphasized that both the flower species and environmental factors affect the decision to sow indoors or outdoors. “Flowers like sunflowers, cosmos, and other wildflowers do well with direct sowing,” she said. “But some, like poppies, don’t handle transplanting well.”
On the other hand, many delicate flowers benefit from being started indoors. “At Sunny Meadows Flower Farm, we start delphinium, eucalyptus, and yarrow in greenhouses,” Arthurs explained. For guidance, she suggests reading the seed packet or researching online.
Climate is also a major consideration. “In colder climates, knowing the last frost date is critical,” Arthurs noted. Planting too early can damage seeds that don’t tolerate frost. Proper planning, she added, helps avoid common mistakes like starting seeds indoors too soon. “Spend the winter creating a plan for the next spring,” she advised.
Pros and Cons of Both Sowing Methods
Arthurs highlighted the benefits of direct sowing, explaining that it can be more efficient. “Direct sowing is simple. You just buy seeds and plant them. No need for trays, grow lights, or greenhouses,” she said. However, it does have its risks. “Seeds in the garden are vulnerable to weather and pests, and you’ll need to monitor their moisture levels carefully,” Arthurs warned.
Direct sowing also requires thoughtful planning. “If you scatter cosmo seeds in a bed, they might overcrowd, so you’ll need to thin them out. If you space them out, some might not germinate,” she explained.
Starting seeds indoors offers more control over the process. “It allows you to manage light, temperature, and water levels,” Arthurs noted. The downside is the initial setup cost for things like grow lights and heating pads. But she pointed out that these costs can be reduced by using sunny windowsills. While indoor seeds are more protected, mold can sometimes become an issue.
For gardeners in colder areas, indoor sowing can yield earlier germination and better success rates. “Starting indoors lets you avoid most insect pests, and once the seedlings are strong, you can transplant them outside,” Arthurs said.
Both methods have their advantages, and deciding which to use depends on the flowers you’re planting and your growing conditions. With careful planning and consideration, you can enjoy a vibrant and successful gardening season.