Starting from Scratch: A Beginner's Guide to Growing Cut Flowers from Seed

There’s something magical about growing plants from seed. Watching tiny specks of life transform into lush, blooming flowers —it never gets old! If you’ve ever wanted to give seed-starting a go but felt overwhelmed by all the information out there, don’t worry. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know! Let’s break it down step by step so you can experience the absolute joy of growing from scratch.

All the Autumn sown Seed Babies enjoying the sunshine!

Choosing Your Seeds: Where to Begin?

With so many seed packets staring at you in the garden centre, it can be tricky to know where to start. Here’s my advice: keep it simple! If you’re new to growing cut flowers from seed, go for beginner-friendly varieties that germinate easily and don’t require too much fuss. A few great options include:

• Cosmos – These beauties grow quickly and bloom like crazy all summer long!

• Zinnias – Bright, cheerful, and quick growers

• Sunflowers – They’re hardy and fast-growing—perfect for a confidence boost.

• Scabious – A stunning pollinator magnet that thrives in warm weather.

  
  

Check the seed packet for details like germination times and growing conditions. Some plants love warm weather, while others prefer a bit of chill before sprouting.

Getting Started: The Germination Process

Now for the exciting part—getting those seeds to sprout! There are a few ways to do this, but my go-to method is starting them indoors. This gives them a head start before they face the big, wild world of the garden!

1. Choose Your Containers – You can use seed trays, small pots, or even repurpose yogurt pots (just poke a few drainage holes in the bottom).  I like to use soil blocks as they're fab at saving space!

2. Use Quality Compost – A peat free seed sowing compost or a multipurpose peat free compost will work well.  If using a multi-purpose, you may just want to sieve the compost a little to remove any larger pieces. 

3. Sow the Seeds – Follow the packet instructions for depth. Some like to be covered a little and others require light to germinate.

4. Water Gently – Sitting the seed tray / container in a little water is a great way to water them initially. Overhead watering can wash the tiny seeds away!

5. Provide Warmth and Light – Most seeds love a warm spot (18-21°C is ideal). A sunny windowsill or a heated propagator works wonders.

   
   

Caring for Your Tiny Seed Babies

Once your seeds have sprouted (yay!), they’ll need some TLC to grow strong. A few key things to remember:

• Light, Light, Light! – Leggy seedlings mean they’re stretching for light. A south-facing window is great for starting seeds off, but once they've germinated, they're best off going out into a greenhouse / zippy. Once you've decided growing from seed is for you (it's only a matter of time!) then investing in some grow lights can really be a game changer for seed starting.

• Water Wisely – Keep the soil damp but not soggy. Overwatering is a common mistake (I’ve been there!)

• Air Circulation – A little airflow helps prevent mold and strengthens seedlings. Even opening the window in the room occasionally can help.

  
  

Transplanting: Moving Day for Seedlings!

Once your seedlings have at least two sets of true leaves (the ones that appear after the baby ‘cotyledon’ leaves), it’s time to think about moving them to bigger pots. Potting them on into slightly larger containers allows their roots to develop further before they face outdoor conditions.

Hardening Off: Once your seedlings have filled out their new pots, it's time to prepare them for the great outdoors. Gradually introduce them to outdoor conditions over a week by placing them outside for a few hours each day, increasing the time gradually. This prevents shock and helps them thrive once planted.

Planting Out:

• Choose a calm, cloudy day if possible – Avoid transplanting in blazing sun.

• Space them properly – I like to plant a little closer than packet guidelines suggest, allowing for a fuller, more natural look in the garden, but that's a personal choice.

• Water them in – A good drink helps them settle into their new home.  Even if it's raining when you plant them out, still give them a good water!

  
  

The Joy of Growing from Seed

There’s no denying it—growing from seed takes patience, but it’s also incredibly rewarding, and completely addictive! It really is a miracle watching life spring from a tiny speck to growing into a thriving beauty in your garden. It may take a little more work, but it's cheaper than buying full sized plants and you get to choose from so many gorgeous varieties.

So, what do you think? Will you give seed-starting a try this year? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear what you’re growing!