- Flower seeds that will tolerate the cold temperatures of winter, such as Icelandic Poppies, Cosmos and Hollyhocks, can be sown directly into well-tilled and nutrient-rich soil in the fall well before the first hard frost comes. Bury the seed in the soil at the recommended planting depth noted on the seed packet for each particular plant. Water in the seed lightly and cover over the area with mulch if desired and identify what you have planted with a garden marker.
- After the last frost has passed in the spring in your region, flower seeds such as Foxglove, Cosmos and Impatiens can be sown directly into well-tilled and nutrient amended soil. Follow the advice on the seed packet as to pre-planting requirements, say if they need to be soaked or scarified, etc. Also take note of the preferred sun exposure and plant the seeds at their necessary depth in the soil and spaced at intervals that will accommodate their size at maturity. Water in the seeds well and maintain a vigilant watch on the soil, keeping it moist around the seeds at all times through germination and until you see green shoots.
- Seeds can be planted in grow trays or pots indoors weeks in advance of the last frost outdoors. Provided with bright light, water and moderate temperatures seeds get a healthy start indoors and are ready to be planted out as seedlings as soon as weather permits. This give you a jump on a well-developed garden and extends the blooming season. If you want to grow certain flower seeds that require cold germination and you live in a temperate climate, mimic the winter chill by placing the seeds in a resealable plastic bag and placing them in the lower colder section of your refrigerator for 6 to 10 weeks as needed. The seeds can then be directly sown into the soil or started in pots as desired in the early spring.
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